The Skill of Walking the Right Path
Wisdom is in again. While it never truly disappeared, it seems to have found a resurgence in popular discourse. From the Stoic philosophers of ancient Rome to Eastern religious traditions, modern bookshelves are now filled with guidance on how to navigate life. Some of this wisdom is helpful, for indeed, all truth is God’s truth. Yet, as Christians, we recognize that wisdom is ultimately a gift from God and is best understood through his revelation in Scripture. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, Jesus is not only the Word made flesh (John 1:14) but also the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
This is why our ultimate authority in wisdom must be the inspired Word of God. When human wisdom contradicts divine revelation, we must always side with the Scriptures. The Bible isn’t merely a collection of moral teachings but the very breath of God given to instruct, correct, and train us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This means that when we seek wisdom, we’re not merely seeking better life strategies; we’re seeking a way of life that honors God.
The Ancient Path and the Narrow Way
The metaphor of life as a path is deeply embedded in Scripture. Proverbs 23:19 exhorts, “Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.” This language is echoed throughout Proverbs, which continually contrasts the way of wisdom with the way of folly. The same theme appears in Jeremiah 6:16, where the Lord calls his people to seek “the ancient paths, where the good way is” and promises that walking in it will bring rest for their souls.
Jesus, too, speaks of two paths. In Matthew 7:13-14, he warns that the way to destruction is wide and easy, while the way to life is narrow and difficult. The world often promotes the illusion that we’re free to choose any path without consequence. But Scripture insists that there’s only one right path – the path of wisdom, the path of obedience to God’s will. As C.S. Lewis put it in Mere Christianity, “Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before.” Our choices shape us, leading us either toward God or away from him.
Staying on the Right Path
The journey of faith isn’t without obstacles. John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress beautifully illustrates the many dangers that threaten to lure us off the narrow path – temptations, distractions, and outright opposition. This is why Proverbs repeatedly calls us to vigilance. Proverbs 4:26-27 instructs, “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.” Staying on the right path requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to heed the correction of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom isn’t merely intellectual knowledge but skill in the art of living well. This is how the Hebrew concept of wisdom (chokmah) is often described. In Exodus 35:31, God fills Bezalel with wisdom to craft the Tabernacle, demonstrating that wisdom is practical – it shapes how we live, work, and worship. Walking wisely means applying God’s truth in daily life, making decisions that reflect his character and purposes.
Guardrails, Boundary Markers, and True Freedom
Modern culture often resists the idea of boundaries, preferring an unrestricted pursuit of personal fulfillment. But true freedom is not found in limitless choice; it’s found in living as we were created to live. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Boundaries – whether they’re moral precepts, spiritual disciplines, or godly community – are not shackles but safeguards. They protect us from the pitfalls of sin and guide us toward a flourishing life in Christ.
This is why Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). The way of wisdom is not always easy, but it is life-giving. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Yet in dying to self, we find true life. The narrow path may be difficult, but it leads to the presence of God, the ultimate reward.
Wizards and the Pursuit of Wisdom
The word “wizard” originally comes from Middle English, meaning “wise one.” In The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf functions as a guide for the fellowship, offering wisdom and encouragement for their journey. While we don’t look to fictional characters for ultimate truth, their stories often reflect deeper biblical realities. Like Gandalf, we need wise mentors and spiritual guides who can help us stay on the right path.
More importantly, we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). We also need the community of believers, for as Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Walking wisely isn’t a solitary endeavor. We’re called to encourage one another, spurring each other on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
An Invitation to Walk This Path Together
As we embark on this journey together in The Right Path, my hope is that you will find encouragement, guidance, and wisdom for your walk with Christ. This isn’t a path one walks in solitude but in community, supported by the grace of God and the wisdom of his Word. Life is filled with choices, and the road ahead isn’t always easy, but we don’t walk it alone. With God’s truth as our guide and the fellowship of believers as our companions, we can navigate this journey with confidence and joy.
I invite you to join me in this ongoing adventure of growing in wisdom and walking the narrow way. Each week, we’ll explore the wisdom of Scripture, learning together how to live faithfully in a world filled with distractions and detours. Let’s walk this path with purpose, knowing that at the end of the journey, we’ll stand in the presence of our Lord, hearing those cherished words: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
- In what ways do you see the metaphor of the “right path” in your own spiritual journey? Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance bringing you back to the right path?
- What obstacles or temptations most often lure you away from the narrow way? How can you guard against them?
- Who are the godly mentors and fellow travelers in your life who help you stay on the right path? How can you cultivate deeper relationships with them?
Action Steps
- Start reading a chapter of Proverbs each day, reflecting on how its truths apply to your life. Keep a journal of insights and prayers, asking God to shape you through his Word.
- Identify one or two mature Christians whom you trust and ask them for spiritual mentorship. Make a commitment to meet regularly for encouragement, accountability, and prayer.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this topic with me. There are more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources available weekly that don’t go out via email. To discover them, click here: Walking Points. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well. Let’s walk this path of wisdom together, to the glory of God.
