Proverbs 10:29 One way, two results_

The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The word refuge brings to mind a deep sense of assurance of safety. It means: a fortress, rock, or stronghold, referring to a place of defense. Life in these bodies brings only one certainty: our safety and health and well-being is constantly threatened, our inner peace disturbed. Our Father knows this, and becomes to us a place of safety to which we may hide.

Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulation or difficulty, but to be of good cheer, he has overcome the world.

This proverb speaks of one topic, “the way of the Lord,” but two outcomes, refuge or ruin. I do not believe it is coincidence. This “way” in which he leads us comes with his careful love and protection. God’s path often results in difficulty and circumstances which test our mettle, yet with it comes his divine protection. Refuge. The favor of the Lord in our lives sets us apart. It causes hatred and jealousy from those that are not like us or who desire to control and overpower us. The very path on which he leads does two things: it refines us internally, focusing our faith and trust on our trustworthy God, and at the same time addresses our circumstances outwardly, removing those that would find fault in God’s own children. Ruin.

When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, they were deeply disturbed and afraid for their lives:

He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Psalm‬ ‭106:9, 11‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

And again when David was told he would be king, all hell broke loose over his personal life. A Psalm he wrote spoke of his experience:

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22:31-33, 38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Our God loves all men, but not all choose His ways and the wisdom they represent. To silver and gold, the course may be through a furnace, hot and refining, but it results in purity with no damage to the ore. That same path removes the impurities, the wood and stubble. A refuge and a ruin.