Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.—Proverbs 4:26
Every path has a destination and decisions determine destiny. You need to think about that. There is no road to nowhere. Every path leads somewhere. And God has given us the privilege and responsibility to choose. Where we end up is the culmination of choices. If we are wise we will “ponder the path” we take.
Chilon of Sparta was said to be one of the wisest men of the ancient world. He was called one of the Seven Sages of Greece. One of the sayings for which he is remembered is, “Consider the end”. Although he lived six centuries before Christ that is still good advice. It is in fact a scriptural admonition, as our text shows. We are to “ponder” (weigh) the path we take, rather than wrecklessly proceeding down life’s road.
The path of righteousness leads to a great many things to be desired. The path of rebellion leads to destruction. The choice is yours— choose wisely! Consider the end at the very beginning. Consider the consequences of your choices and it will save you much pain and suffering. The Psalmist said, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD—“(Ps. 37:23), so let us look to God for guidance throughout life’s journey. But to do His will we must search His Word—“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”(Ps. 119:105). It is the means whereby He guides us. Those who neglect it will find themselves on the wrong road.
There are a lot of things in life that we can’t control or change, but with God as our guide we can make choices that will lead us to the best possible place. No one ever went wrong by going right. When we consider the end and choose the right route we never end up on the wrong road — a road that leads to ruin.
