Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 4:18

ESV But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
NIV The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
NASB But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
CSB The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
NLT The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
KJV But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
NKJV But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

What does Proverbs 4:18 mean?

Symbolism about walking, or paths, is common in Scripture. The general idea is that evil creates a dark, jagged road which causes people to be lost, or to fall. Truth and godliness are compared to bright, straight, safe roads. As stated here, following godly wisdom is like walking on a road lit by light of dawn, brighter and brighter until it bursts into full day.

This is especially appropriate, since Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is defined as "the true light" (John 1:9). He called Himself "the light of the world," and said, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). The apostle Paul addressed the believers at Ephesus as "light in the Lord" and exhorted them to "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). The apostle John wrote that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). He added, "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). As believers walk in the light, others see our good works and glorify our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).
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