Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.
This passage of scripture does not give us options to choose from, for it says that reproofs of instruction are "The" way of life, not a way of life. Wisdom is the correct use of knowledge, and therefore when biblical knowledge is understood and implemented, it limits the amount of devices and snares that can be successfully laid for our feet, for the cunning of the serpent is mainly engaged through stealth, ignorance, and surprise, for these are his methods. Satan can tempt and harm us on what we do not know, and that's why the Lord said that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Every opportunity we have, we should avail ourselves of the knowledge and revelations given in God's word, for in it is unmasked all of the fiery darts and snares of the devil. This is especially necessary in these last days of earth's history, when truth and falsehood will be cleverly mixed together, so that even the elect need to be wary. Let's read:
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ..... 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.
A striking example of what is being described here, took place as the apostle Paul and his companions were on a missionary journey in Macedonia, when they were met by a girl who was a fortune teller, being possessed by a spirit of divination. What's important for us to observe is that in all of her interactions with Paul and his fellows, she never said anything wrong, but on the contrary, seemed to be advocating for the kingdom of God. However, after a while Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, turned to her and cast out an evil spirit from her, for she had followed them for many days, and they had been sorely grieved with her apparently "Good" speech. Let's read:
Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
The question for us to consider is why would the devil be apparently advocating for the kingdom of God, when his own methods and principles are diabolically opposed to Christ? The answer lies in the instructions given in God's word which are "The way of life", for the scriptures tell us that satan almost always masquerades himself under the garb of Christianity, and this method of operating makes it all the more difficult for him to detected in his guise.
For instance, in our day the business of religion has become one of the most lucrative occupations, where many so-called prophets and televangelists rake in billions each year from unsuspecting subscribers, and all of this is done under the banner of Christianity and preaching the gospel. There are many Christian ministries that do very real work in Africa, India, and other remote parts of the globe, which have nothing to do with Christ, yet they are lauded as being prominent champions of the gospel.
This deception has become more widespread in recent years with the institution of mega-churches being led by some charismatic preachers, who work their audience up into a spiritual frenzy, and then milk them of their hard earned money, under the disguise of supporting the gospel mission. But according to the Bible, many of them are nothing more than wolves in sheep's clothing, being led by the adversary of souls, dressed in gospel shoes. Let's read:
2nd Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
The fact that so many people are confused about the truth and what constitutes true Christianity, testifies to a proliferation of false christs and false prophets who have invaded both our minds and our wallets, hence the instructions given in the word of God concerning their ultimate end. Let's read:
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It behooves us then to study the word of God for ourselves with the intention of doing God's will, so that we can be saved from the many snares that are currently laid for the feet of the unwary and ignorant, for if we cannot discern the enemy in his guise, we will inevitably subscribe to the sophisticated network of lies and deceptions that are headed our way in the not too distant future. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that calls on every sincere and honest hearted person to study diligently, the instructions given in God's word, for they are described as being a "Lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path". Let's read
Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
May God add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. "Good night" and God bless!