“26. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:26-27

Solomon was a very wise man. When King Solomon asked God to give him an understanding heart to judge God’s people, God gave him great wisdom. “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee” (1 Kings 3:12). Notice that God said there was no one wiser before or after King Solomon. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs were a thousand and five (see 1 Kings 4:32). Although King Solomon did many foolish things in his kingdom, he recorded many wise words that are relevant even today.

The book of Proverbs tells us some of wise words from King Solomon. Note that this book is for anyone who wants to know wisdom and instruction that Solomon learned from God. “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding” (Proverbs 1:2). The introduction to this book is amazing! (See Proverbs 1:1-6.) It very plainly tells of its importance. However, it also tells the response from God to those who reject these words of wisdom. When the rejection of God’s Word is played out in one’s life and calamity comes, God will not be there to help (see Proverbs 1:20-27). Worse yet, God said, “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me” (Proverbs 1:28). What a truly scary thought! Compare this to another Proverb recorded. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Can you see the difference?

Why would God respond in such a way? Continue reading, “29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:29-31). Now do you see whose fault it is? Trouble that comes into one’s life for hating God’s knowledge and His counsel is always the fault of the one who chooses to disregard God’s Word. We should never choose our path in life over what God wants for our life. Chapter one of Proverbs ends with an encouraging word to help one understand this concept. “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33). What comforting words! Hearing from, and listening to God, is most important. After we learn to do that, we know what to do and where to go, and we will dwell safely. Only God’s Word can lead one in the right paths of life. Remember what Solomon’s father David wrote: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

One must consider these things as we read another Proverb King Solomon recorded for our instruction. “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:26-27). Walk straight in the path God has placed before you, not turning to the right nor to the left. Always remember that the true path is found only in God’s Word.

Have you pondered the path of your feet?

Where is that path leading you?