Before the invention of asphalt and concrete, paths and roads were established by repeat use. You may notice the same kind of path creation in your lawn or around your work space. The more people walk a specific route through the grass and dirt, the more the path becomes defined and identifiable.

The same is true about spiritual paths, whether good or evil. The frequency of use will help to define and maintain the path for future travellers. In this study, we will discuss the evil paths that are so prevalent in the world today.

Enter not into the path of the wicked,
and go not in the way of evil men.
¹⁵ Avoid it, pass not by it,
turn from it, and pass away.
¹⁶ For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
¹⁷ For they eat the bread of wickedness,
and drink the wine of violence.
¹⁸ But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
¹⁹ The way of the wicked is as darkness:
they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 4:14-19

Every path has pioneers, those who were first to pave the way. Pioneers are then followed by others who refine and maintain the established path. This holds true for spiritual paths as well. Life is indeed a spiritual journey paved by pioneers. We must be careful not to travel down the wrong (wicked) paths.

The implication of the verses quoted above is we should learn how to identify the paths we come across. Verse 14 tells us not to enter the path of the wicked, but how can you know that the path is wicked?

Recognize that another word for path is way. A quick word search on the phrase “the way” will prove this fact easily. The phrase is also an idiom for a way of being or a spiritual path. Read Deut. 9:16. Moses declared to the Israelites that they “turned aside quickly out of the way.” God had established “the way” but they turned aside to another way. From this verse, we can see that any way or path not laid by God is a wicked path. For further proof, read Deut. 8:6, Deut. 10:12, Josh. 22:5, and Ps. 18:20-21 to name a few.

The book of Psalms is filled with phrases like the way, thy ways, and the ways of the Lord. For your edification, each phrase has been hyperlinked to assist you in your research. I encourage you to click the links and read through some of the verses.

¹⁶ Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. ¹⁷ And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not so

Judges. 2:16-17

The verses quoted above refer to the time after the generation of Joshua and his cohort died. Read Judges 2:7-10. These verses show us that the children of Israel served God under the direction of Joshua and those who outlived him; however, their children turned out of the way.

Back to the question: how can we know a path is wicked? Simply by knowing the paths (the ways) of the Lord. Any path that is contrary to the paths He has laid out for us is wicked. The seems simple enough, but it is impossible to make a comparison if you do not know the ways of the Lord. This requires much study of His word. As you learn more and more about the ways of the Lord, it becomes easier and easier to spot the counterfeits. Christians have to be circumspect about our way of living. There are hundreds, may be thousands, of counterfeits posing to be paths of God.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find i

Matt. 7:13-14

The way unto life is straight and narrow, not broad and crooked! There is only one way and that way is the example Jesus left for us. Sadly, many prefer to follow their favorite preacher rather than follow Jesus. Proverbs 16:25 tells us, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

A Strong Comparison

Reread Prov. 4:16-19. These verses compare opposing paths. Verse 16 says that the wicked do not sleep unless they have engaged in mischief. The Hebrew word translated as mischief means properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally). Do you fit this definition?!?! Unfortunately, much of the world is restless until they engage in some kind of confusion. This includes many professing Christians as well. For example, many will not go to bed until they have watched their favorite show that promotes wicked ways of being as normal. Truly, the media we consume has a tremendous impact on our character. Verse 17 says, “For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” Those who walk the wick paths of life consume wickedness and violence as if they were sustenance. As a result, they emulate what they have consumed and display it physically, socially, and morally.

Christians are required to take the straight path, to operate differently in this world. “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Verse 18) Are you a shining light? If not, this ought to be one of your daily goals. If you are a shining light, then you must shine more and more.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matt. 5:14-16

The verses quoted above should be the motto for Christian living. If you are shining more and more, you are not adding darkness to the world. You are avoiding the temptation to follow the ways of the world. You are scrutinizing your actions, your sources of entertainment, as well as you thoughts (II Cor. 10:3-6). You are a representative of Jesus Christ. Your deeds should cause others to glorify God the Father just as Jesus did.

The phrase “shineth more and more unto the perfect day” is a reference to the resurrection of the saints mentioned in Rev. 20:4-6. The implication of this phrase is that Christians will grow brighter until the resurrection. Make sure that you are taking the path of Jesus, doing that which is pleasing in the sight of the Father (Matt. 17:5; I John 3:22). This is the path of a Christian!!! Choose your path wisely!

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
³ And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Dan. 12:2-3