The Way of the Lord: Fortress or Foe

"The way of the Lord is strength to the upright"—Proverbs 9:10.

Exell observes a crucial two-fold aspect in this verse: the same divine way operates as strength (Hebrew maoz, fortress) to the righteous and as ruin to the wicked. God does not change His character or methods; rather, a man's moral nature determines which aspect he experiences.

"The way of the Lord" signifies not merely the path God prescribes for human conduct, but the solemn footsteps of God Himself through creation, providence, and history. This ancient teacher perceived what modern thinkers often miss: a personal Divine will directing human affairs with uniform consistency. It is "the way"—a grand unity wherein all operations align against evil and toward goodness.

The fortress imagery proves essential. For the upright, Adonai's way becomes an impregnable stronghold—shelter for the shelterless and righteous. Yet that same fortress appears as a menacing rampart to besiegers and enemies.

Three principles emerge: First, the universe's order establishes that righteousness yields life, sin yields death. Second, virtue produces strength in physical existence while sin brings punishment. Third, in higher spiritual regions, goodness generates blessedness and evil produces ruin.

All power in God's universe and all tenderness in God's heart align with the man who does right. All things serve the soul serving God; all wage war against him who wars against his Maker. The future shall make this evident with greater clarity.