CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH

How many times growing up did our parents talk to us about the importance of practicing good judgment so that we may gain the wisdom needed to make the right choices? How many times did they stress to us the significance of making sure that our actions always reflect what we believe and that the words we speak are a representation of Christ’s teachings? How many times did their words guide us in our life’s decisions so that we practice discernment, gain wisdom, and choose the right path?

That is what the verses in Proverbs 4:20-27 are.  Like my parents have done and continue to do, Solomon is guiding his sons in hopes that they will always choose the right path. He reminds them throughout the verses that wisdom is not gained by physical actions alone but by spiritual actions as well. He begins the verses with an urgent plea to his sons to heed his words and to keep them at the forefront of their minds and hearts. He encourages his sons to obey these words because” they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body”. Solomon knows how easy it is to become corrupted by this world and he urges his sons to guard their hearts with extreme diligence. He also encourages them to be careful and conscientious about the words they speak, avoid the influence of those that speak dishonestly and without morality. Lastly, he encourages his sons to set their eyes and feet forward, focused on the things of heaven and not of this earth.

Even as a 30-year-old adult, I continue to struggle with discerning what is good for me and what isn’t, and I know that not every decision I make will be perfect. We’re not capable of making the right decision every time, and I believe we’re expected to falter. I know there will be many times in life that place me on the wrong path and away from what God has planned for me. What I also know and hope we all know is that no matter how far we stray from it, no matter how far we stray from the loving embrace of heavenly Father, our return is easy.