Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Human understanding is always prone to error. We have partial understanding and sometimes we misunderstand. What seems to be the right answer, or what appears to be the correct course of action often turns out to be wrong. On the other hand, God’s understanding is complete. When we trust in him and follow his word, we avoid the pitfalls of leaning on our own understanding.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul contrasts our limited human understanding of the present with the perfection that is to come in the kingdom of heaven. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 he writes, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. KJV”
Describing the way to eternal life in heaven, Jesus says in Matthew 7:13, “Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. WEB” Jesus is the narrow gate. Believing in him, we receive eternal life in heaven. The only way to walk the straight and narrow path is to submit to the Word of God completely.
A Way That Appears Right
The Bible teaches in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death. NIV” When we lean on our own understanding, our imperfect nature will tend to lead us astray. Solomon is teaching that the best way to avoid trouble is to trust in the word of the Lord and submit to the will of God. In order to do this, we must study his word and pray continually so that we have a mature, intimate relationship with the Lord.
Let us challenge ourselves to read or hear the word of God daily. And let us put what we learn into practice in our lives. As we read in James 1:25, “But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does. WEB”
God is the ultimate source of knowledge. Let us follow the advice of Solomon and lean not on our own understanding. Let us live in submission to God and trust the Lord. As we study the word of God and put the word into practice, we will live with greater wisdom and receive the benefit of God straightening our path.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for always being present in my life. I trust you with all my heart. Guide me with your holy word. Keep me on the straight path. Help me to live in your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Greatest Love
