Daily EncouragementSample

What kind of a person is the proverb talking about? The God-fearing or the ungodly? Doubtless there is an application for both. There may appear to be plenty of room for the godless in the broad way, but every step is bringing him nearer to destruction (Matt. 7:13). “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov. 14:12). There is no escape from the judgment of God. “A man reaps what he sows,” and God is active in the process.

What a comfort there is in this word for the believer! He too must plan his course, but he does so in humble dependence upon the Lord. He seeks to know the will of God and not to lean upon his own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). He finds that the Lord guides him not only in the major issues which affect his life and service, but also in the detailed steps involved. He senses that the Lord has gone ahead of him and prepared the way (John 10:4, Eph. 2:10). He prays with Jeremiah, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own, it is not for a man to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). In that knowledge he finds his peace.