Bible Dictionaries
Path

Holman Bible Dictionary

A walkway. Two contrasting paths are a common image for rival ways of life in Hebrew wisdom literature. The path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:14 ) who forget God (Job 8:13 ) is crooked (Proverbs 2:15 ). This approach to life contrasts with the path of righteousness (Psalm 23:3; Proverbs 2:13 ,Proverbs 2:13,2:20 ). This alternate path is called the path of God (compare Psalm 17:5; Psalm 25:4 ,Psalms 25:4,25:10 ) and of light (Job 24:13 ). This life-path entails living by the commands or instruction of the Lord (Psalm 119:1; Proverbs 10:17 ). The reward for following this path is life (Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 12:28; compare Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 2:19; Proverbs 5:6 ). The wise are those who follow this way (Proverbs 15:24 ). The paths of justice (Proverbs 2:8; Proverbs 8:20 ), peace (Proverbs 3:17 ), and rightenousness refer to the practice of these qualities.