Scripture: “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” (4:26)
Observation: In this chapter, Solomon instruct his son to choose wisely the path he follows. He warns against straying from that which he knows is good and right as Solomon has taught him. He promises that if the son follows the advice of his father, his life will be better for it.
Application: Impulsive behavior is never conducive to wise actions. The allure of sin in the world is great and very attractive. Satan knows exactly how to appeal to our carnal nature, and if we give any attention to worldly temptations, we risk falling completely into the darkness of sin. When a person “dabbles with sin”, the consequences can be devastating. Solomon writes in this chapter, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (v. 14-15). To think we can avoid sin ourselves or stand up to Satan alone is extreme foolishness. We have a formidable enemy who knows how to present sin in ways that feed on our weaknesses and fleshly lusts. It is so easy to believe the lie that we can “handle it”. We can’t. Not without the power of God.
Ephesians 6:11 instructs us to be fully clothed in the armor of God. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Why? Because, as I Peter 5:8 states, “… your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan doesn’t want to make us stumble; he wants to completely destroy us, our relationship with God, and our Christian testimony, thereby being ineffective in showing Christ to others who need Jesus.
Therefore, I must always consider the path I choose to walk and establish by asking myself the following questions in order to choose wisely.
- Have I prayed about this, seeking God’s guidance?
- Do my choices align with God’s Word?
- Will my choices help or hurt my testimony?
- Will my behavior bring me nearer to or farther from God?
- Will my choices glorify God?
- How will my choices impact others for Christ?
- Do I have peace about the choices I make?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for your ever-present Spirit in my life. Thank You for the Bible and its truths. Help me, O God, to make choices that delight You, that are in agreement with Your Word, and that help me to become more like Your precious Son, Jesus. May I bring You honor and glory through my choices and actions each day, being led by You in every path I take. Order my steps, Father, and empower me to walk in obedience to what You have called me to do each day. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, amen.
’Tis so sweet to walk with Jesus, step by step and day by day;
Stepping in His very footprints, walking with Him all the way.
Step by step, step by step, I would walk with Jesus,
All the day, all the way, keeping step with Jesus.
(from "Tis So Sweet to Walk With Jesus” by Albert Benjamin Simpson)
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“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3
Amen! Proverbs day by day gives such wisdom. Thank you for sharing with us what God has impressed on your heart.