Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:28, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
American Standard Version
In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.
World English Bible version
In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
Proverbs 11:26 Meaning & Commentary
In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28 (ESV)
There is a specific “path” we are called to walk as believers. In the gospels, Jesus Christ referred to a narrow gate, claiming that it is a difficult and narrow gate that leads to the path of life:
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
In the gospel of John, Jesus Christ spoke more about what the door or gate is:
John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
Jesus himself is the door! This is hard for many people to comprehend or understand. Many of us spend most of our lives striving and working hard to “achieve” certain things or “gain approval.” But Jesus Christ is the door that leads to a life with God. This is not something we can “attain” in our own strength – it is a free gift from God, by His Grace:
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
The Salvation of God, which allows us through the door and into a relationship with God, is a gift to be received by faith in Jesus Christ. However, this is only the first step on the “path of righteousness.”
The Bible is full of instruction on practically living out our Christian walk, or the walk of faith as we could call it. We can be confident knowing there is no “death” on the path of righteousness. Not saying that we will not physically die – of course, we will – however, there is eternal life what God, and whatever happens – in life or death, we are victors:
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:28 to our lives?
The first “step” to walking in the path of righteousness is to be in right standing with God. This is not achieved through human effort but simply by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The Bible tells us that although it may seem at times that God is “far” from us – he is actually not, and if we call out to him, he is closer to us than we may realize:
Acts 17:27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.
If we are believers and walk with God, one of the biggest temptations or struggles is to try and live out our Christian life in our own strength. We need to live as Paul the Apostle did:
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
When we walk with God, we walk a safe and secure path and have our eternity secured in Christ. The Bible also tells us that God has given us everything we need to live a life of godliness:
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.
If, however, we do miss the mark and wander off the path, all we need to do is to reach out to God and ask for forgiveness – God is always waiting to hear us, answer us and forgive us:
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you now in Jesus’ name and ask for forgiveness for every sin I have committed – knowingly or unknowingly. Please wash me in the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank You that you have given me everything I need to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. I thank You for your love and your forgiveness. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
