Proverbs 2:9 “then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path”
Soon after I became a Christian I realised that I had hurt many people in my life. I guess I had some small insight into who I was before Jesus came into my life. A few weeks on I had a strong sense of wanting to make things right with one person I had wronged. It was a tricky situation, and that was compounded I think by my own lack of skill or experience in ever having done anything like this previously. I went to my pastor to take counsel – he told me that in his experience going to sort out these types of situations did not always work out for the better, and wisely he added that he could not advise me.
I let it sit for a while, but my peace was shot. I thought about maybe standing up in church one day to say how good God had been to me and seeing this person at the back of the church, staring at me, issues unspoken and unresolved. I knew deep in my heart that no matter how scary, or even risky this was, I had to step into it, even if it was almost against what my pastor’s experience seemed to indicate (and please understand this was and is a really rare exception).
So I did, I called, we talked, we met, we cried together, forgiveness flowed, friendship was restored and healing took place. God had gone ahead of us and made away, where there seemed to be no way. The way was one of understanding, how to hear, how to obey, even when every part of me was begging to avoid. There are some things in life that are not good to go through but are good to have gone through.
KNOWLEDGE
Again we are given insight into the outcome for those who listen and respond to God’s callings. To those who will listen with a desire to be obedient, will come marvellous insights, words of life will come to them, rest in them and flow from them. In any and every situation they will know the best and right thing to do that will protect, bless and encourage. They will understand how to respond and deal with every situation. Jesus was the master of this when caring for the broken people, or debating with the established leaders of the day – he always knew what to say, never wasted a word, and always said more than just the sum of his words, often leaving people speechless.
Every step you take, every move you make, He will be watching over you. He will equip you, He will establish you, He will go with you.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
Let’s consider the word “path”. The English word “path” is mentioned 79 times in the ESV, coming from 5 different Hebrew words. In Proverbs 2:9 the original word is ma’gal used 16 times in the ESV and translated as path; encampment; tracks; and way. We could understand it to mean an encircled encampment, a place of safety and peace where we can rest and be ourselves.
WISDOM: how clearly do you receive direction from God? When was the last time you stepped out in faith in response to His leading?
STRENGTH THOUGHT: Positivity – You help others search for, and enjoy their genuine wins.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version [you will have discernment and be able to instruct others in how to live inside God’s standards, bringing your best to support others on every occasion. There will be no deviation with you from doing the right thing, creating safe spaces for life and growth.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Please help me to catch what you have to tell me and to run with it right away.
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Conviction comes from God. He is our provider and the path we take is often very complex. But made more clear God’s guidance.
Allan
Your story was very relivant to me. Thankyou for sharing.
When I have faced some tough seasons in my life ,I have always felt God’s presence and his guidance .
He has never left me confused or alone . when I have been searching for answers,
He has always been very clear and present .
The times I have failed to really listen and obey,
I have stumbled.
I know that putting my complete trust in Him and seeking his will for my life always has given me peace.
trusting him thus far in my life has never left
me dissopointed in where he has lead me
I’m thankful to my God for his direction in my life
Thank you, once again , Pastor Allan, for your personal experience and it’s positive outcome. It reminded me yet again, how important it is to think before I speak and act. The consequences of my words and action could easily make or break another person.
I will listen to His voice and pursue His truth confidently.
“How clearly do you receive direction from God?
When was the last time I stepped out in faith in response to His calling?
This week I am seeing miracles one after another!
I believe that what was impossible for me, through prayer and perseverance and lots of love and patience…in the perfect timing of God and in His wisdom and faithfulness; as we see in Proverbs 2:6-9…He guards the “PATHS “Of justice!
I am seeing a great importance in the word ‘path’!
The Faithfulness of our God that preserves the way(path) of His saints!(2:8).
What an awesome example you shared Allan!
We have to be vigilant to guard ourselves from little foxes!!!
Thank you Allan.
I love the sentence”there are some things that are not good to go through but are good to have gone through. God knows us way better than we will ever know ourselves. It comes down to obedience and trust. Trusting that God knows best and only wants to enhance our relationship with Him. Growing through obedience and living in closer communion with Him is not always easy but the rewards are great
Such reassurance for a worry wort like me
Love how you unpack the verse making its meaning clear, relevant and accessible
Such an incredible and important thought !!
“ There are some things in life that are not good to go through, but are good to have gone through.” I love this thought. And it’s these circumstances that the uses to refine us, making us more like him in appearance, character and nature.
“In any and every situation they will know the best and right thing to do that will protect, bless and encourage.” This is the life long goal. To respond in every situation the way Jesus would and in turn point people to him.
“ a place of safety and peace where we can rest and be ourselves.” I have found in my life this to be nothing but the truth. I believe this is why I came to know the Lord at such a young age and have never deviated from the path he has for me, because I found safety, protection And acceptance in his loving arms of Grace.
Thank you Pastor Allan. Today’s devotional was beautiful and encouraging.
Amen to that prayer 🙏 Thanks for sharing this personal testimony. I really loved this paragraph “So I did, I called, we talked, we met, we cried together, forgiveness flowed, friendship was restored and healing took place. God had gone ahead of us and made a way, where there seemed to be no way. The way was one of understanding, how to hear, how to obey, even when every part of me was begging to avoid. There are some things in life that are not good to go through, but are good to have gone through.” – I’m believing for forgiveness, restoration and healing to flow between my family relatives 🙏 It’s reassuring that God goes before us and makes a way.
Thanks Ps Allan.
Allan your unauthorised version is really my heart for others. To live their best life in Jesus . Every good path is our prayer and my prayer for others. Stepping out in faith , mindful to have a discerning spirit with people in my life brings value to the relationships beyond what I could have imagined. God uses us everyday to be a little piece of Him , for others to know his mercies and love for us . He has the Right word at the right time for others
This is such a great promise & a clear motivation to listen to God’s call in every situation I am faced with & to respond with a sincere heart & a willingness to obey Him. If I do this I will gain more insight words will rest & flow out of my life as a conduit to help & encourage others. How reassuring to know that Father God will empower equip & watch over me in every step I undertake on the path of destiny He has purposed for me as I walk in faith trust & obedience in His ways. What an amazing God we serve!!!
God makes a way where seems to be no way.
He is ever faithful. He watches over us , He goes ahead of us and orders each step in our life.
He equips us, establishes us and goes ahead of us. God is good
Hi Pastor Allan, this is so good. Very encouraging and knowing always that God goes before us.
Your unauthorised version summed it up for me and my heart.
‘You will have discernment and be able to instruct others in how to live inside God’s standards, bringing your best to support others on every occasion. There will be no deviation with you from doing the right thing, creating safe spaces for life and growth‘
Thank you.
I can relate to this scripture both ways as I have experience his righteousness and justice when I step out in total faith in relaying on God and when I try to do things on my own strength and will!