Whose Path Are You On?

I(Wisdom) love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice (Proverbs 8:17-20, ESV.)

Do Solomon’s words about wisdom and walking “in the way of righteousness” sound familiar? They’re an echo of his father David’s declaration that our Shepherd leads us “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Both men make it clear that walking in God’s presence is necessary to a righteous life.

Think about “the way (or paths) of righteousness.” By path or way, the writers of Scripture meant a course of action; a life direction; a pattern of behavior. You can choose many paths and directions for your life. Some are obviously wrong and will take you to destructive places. Have you followed those wrong roads? Have you found yourself wondering, What am I doing here? I didn’t want my life to be about this. I had bigger and better dreams.

If that’s you, you’re ready for God’s way of righteousness.

Seeking His way for answers is the first step to getting off those wrong roads and back into a way of living that God can bless. Scripture says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). That’s not a road you want to choose for your life. Instead, “In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

God wants you on a right path that leads to joy, peace, and blessing. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord when he (God) delights in his way.” This is an amazing truth—God Himself establishes the path of the righteous person.

Isn’t it encouraging to know God will guide your steps? As you submit to Him, the hand of God will direct you to the right way. It might not be a way you’d choose, it may not look like someone else’s way, but it will be the right path for you. His directing presence will lead you “in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice.” Your part is to listen to His Word and respond to His leading.

Reprinted with permission from Our Journey, copyright 2014 by James MacDonald. All rights reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without written permission from Walk in the Word. James is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadow, IL and the Bible teacher of the Walk in the Word radio program.