Light (Proverbs 13:9)

There is a light within man. It can either be a divine light which shines ever brighter, or his own light which will soon extinguish.

"The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him; it grows brighter and] rejoices; but the lamp of the wicked [ furnishes only a deprived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly." Proverbs 13:9, Amplified

The light of the righteous grows brighter and brighter because it has an eternal source. The body has a tendency to wear out and wind down. If we rely on the Lord, then that light will not be extinguished. It becomes a source of warmth to those around us. With that light we can guide others on the path of righteousness. That light is the example that others need.

If that light should be of a temporal source of our own making, how long will it be before that light burns out? Yes there are those out there who do not have the Lord in their lives and people are drawn to their dynamic personalities. But the source of that light will soon need to be replenished. How can a lamp replenish its own oil? An external source is needed, without it we are doomed to burn out.