The Department of State issues travel advisories for U.S. citizens for a variety of reasons. For example, crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, natural disaster, time-limited event and other reasons. They issue advisories on four levels: Level 1 means Exercise Normal Precaution, Level 2 means Exercise Increased Caution, Level 3 means Reconsider Travel, Level 4 means Do Not Travel. We find a travel advisory in Proverbs 4:14-17, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.” Let me call your attention to three things related to this travel advisory.

First, we need an exhortation to the correct pathway. “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life” (Proverbs 4:10-13). There is both a preventative and a preservative element of taking the correct pathway. Robert L. Alden comments, “We learn that life is like a road which one must choose; the way of evil men or the path of the righteous (v. 18 et al).”

Second, we need an explanation about the chosen pathway. “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19). Note the contrast between the two pathways is like the difference between day and night. C. S. Lewis observes, “Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.” We read in both Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”

Third, we need an examination of the current pathway. Proverbs 4:26-27 reads, “Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” Vance Havner cautions, “Let it never be forgotten that, although we may do nothing about the Word we hear, the Word will do something to us. The same sun melts ice and hardens clay, and the Word of God humbles or hardens the human heart. Truth heard and not acted upon is a dangerous thing. Spiritual impulses which are not translated into action have a disastrous reaction.” A word to the wise is sufficient.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.