“He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction” (Proverbs 17:19).
Just as being another’s surety can quickly and easily lead you to financial ruin (Prov. 17:18), there are several other trusty paths you can take to make a complete disaster of your life. This proverb identifies one—self-exaltation.
At the base of this path is pride, which always leads to destruction. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall…Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall…The Lord will destroy the house of the proud” (Prov. 16:18; 18:12; 15:25).
Seven other paths which lead to destruction are identified in the wisdom Solomon recorded. These are:
- Adultery. “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul…Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings” (Prov. 6:32; 31:3).
- Violence. “The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice” (Prov. 21:7).
- Foolish companions. “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20).
- Evil doers. “The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity…It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity…The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Prov. 10:29; 21:15; 11:3).
- Loose, foolish lips. “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction…A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Prov. 13:3; 18:7).
- Evil stubbornness. “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Prov. 29:1).
- Despising God’s word. “He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded” (Prov. 13:13).
Each of these lifestyle choices leads to one inescapable destination: Destruction.
