SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:18
Mas la vereda de los justos es como la luz del lucero, que va en aumento hasta que el día es perfecto.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 4:18
Verse 18. But the path of the just ] The path of the wicked is gloomy, dark, and dangerous; that of the righteous is open, luminous, and instructive. This verse contains a fine metaphor; it refers to the sun rising above the horizon, and the increasing twilight, till his beams shine full upon the earth. The original, µwyh wkn d[ rwaw űlwh holech vaor ad nechon haiyom, may be translated, "going and illuminating unto the prepared day." This seems plainly to refer to the progress of the rising sun while below the horizon; and the gradual increase of the light occasioned by the reflection of his rays by means of the atmosphere, till at last he is completely elevated above the horizon, and then the prepared day has fully taken place, the sun having risen at the determined time. So, the truly wise man is but in his twilight here below; but he is in a state of glorious preparation for the realms of everlasting light; till at last, emerging from darkness and the shadows of death, he is ushered into the full blaze of endless felicity. Yet previously to his enjoyment of this glory, which is prepared for him, he is going-walking in the commandments of his God blameless; and illuminating-reflecting the light of the salvation which he has received on all those who form the circle of his acquaintance.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 18. But the path of the just [is] as the shining light , etc.] The “just” man is one that is made righteous through the righteousness of Christ imputed to him; and who is created anew in Christ, in righteousness and true holiness; and, under the influence of divine grace, lives soberly, righteously, and godly: the “path” he is directed to walk in, and does, is Christ himself, the way, the truth, and the life; through whose blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, he goes to God for grace and mercy, for peace, pardon, and acceptance, for fresh supplies of grace, and in order to enjoy communion with him; and who also is the way of salvation, and to eternal life and happiness: and, besides this grand and principal path, there are the paths of truth, righteousness, and holiness; the path of duty and obedience; the way of the commandments of God, and ordinances of Christ: and this path he walks in, whether of grace or duty, is “as the shining light”; or of the morning, when the day first dawns, or at least when the sun rises. Such is the light beamed in at first conversion, which directs men to walk in the above mentioned paths; it is a light after a night of darkness, as such is the state of unregeneracy; which, though at first is but glimmering, yet afterwards is clear and shining; especially when Christ the sun of righteousness appears, or is revealed, as the hope of glory. The first grace in conversion is a “true light [that] shines”, ( 1 John 2:8), by which a soul sees its own vileness and filthiness, the insufficiency of its own righteousness; and the fulness, suitableness, and ability Christ as a Saviour, and has some discerning of Gospel truths; that shineth more and more unto the perfect day ; or “going and shining” f96 , or “enlightening”: it shines clearer and clearer, so does true grace; it grows and increases more and more, every grace does, faith, hope, love, patience, humility, etc. the light of the knowledge of Christ the way, though it is imperfect, yet capable of being increased, and is increased by means of the ministry of the word and ordinances; which increase God has promised, saints pursue after, and attain unto. Light into the Gospel, and the doctrines of it, increases yet more and more; whereby a soul walks pleasantly, comfortably, and safely, in right path, “until the perfect day” of glory comes, a day without clouds; when there will be nothing to interpose between God and them; when there will be no more clouds of darkness, unbelief, doubts, and fears; when the sun will always be seen, no more withdrawn, eclipsed, or set; even Christ, the sun of righteousness, whose glory will always be beheld by the righteous to all eternity: when there will be no more night of affliction, desertion, and death; when the light of knowledge will be clear and perfect, and saints shall see face to face, and know as they are known; and when not only the light of the righteous shall be so clear, distinct, and perfect, but they themselves shall shine as the sun in the kingdom of God. The words may be rendered, “the prepared day” f97 ; appointed in the decrees of God, and firmly established by them: the invisible glories of the heavenly state, which make this everlasting day, are things which God has prepared for his people; the kingdom and glory itself, the inheritance of the saints in light, is prepared for them from the foundation of the world. And, since such is the path of the just, who would walk in the ways of the wicked? which are the reverse of this, as the following words show.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 14-27 - The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compas some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but a a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there the shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a goo means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remed for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doin hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it ar the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus tha living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlastin life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and pervers lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straigh forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the step of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follo thee more closely for the time to come __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
וארח 734 צדיקים 6662 כאור 216 נגה 5051 הולך 1980 ואור 215 עד 5704 נכון 3559 היום׃ 3117
