how we walk

Ponder the path of your feet;

then all your ways will be sure.

Do not swerve to the right or to the left;

turn your foot away from evil.

Proverbs 4:26-27

All throughout scripture walking is a metaphor for life. How we walk, where we walk, and why we walk are subthemes of that metaphor. This is the image being explained in this proverb. We are called to walk in a way that pleases the Lord and protects us from evil. There are three ways we walk explained here.

We are deliberate in our steps. This is a deliberate action. We make choices with each step we take. That is why we must ponder our choices. Which path is the right path? We must examine it in the light of scripture and follow the clear work of the Holy Spirit. It must align with the Bible and the gospel to be the right way to go. The Word of God with the Spirit of God will show us the right way. But sometimes we must stop and think and pray for our next steps.

We are dedicated to our steps. We must be determined to staying on the path once we are there. God keeps leading our steps. We continue to make choices to not leave the path and ignore byways or shortcuts. We do not turn any direction unless it aligns with what God shows or calls us to do.

There is no deviation in our steps. We also are aware of the awful consequences of deviation from this path. There is evil off the path of life. Sin can hurt us, mislead us, or destroy us. Our enemy wants us to take what looks like a broad and smoother way. But with this warning, we walk, pondering our path always in the light of God's Word.