Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 4:26

ESV Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.
NIV Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
NASB Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established.
CSB Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.
NLT Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
KJV Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
NKJV Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.

What does Proverbs 4:26 mean?

The book of Proverbs assumes a progression from learning to knowledge to wisdom to understanding. Those who have wisdom have the ability—but not the guarantee—of acting according to godly knowledge. In order to maintain good use of wisdom, a person must be purposeful and careful (Proverbs 4:20–21). When walking, a person who deliberately considers where he steps is far less likely to stumble, or to fall into a trap. In life—often compared to a path in Scripture (Proverbs 4:27)—the same is true. We should not make hasty decisions, but discern the Lord's will and then do it (Proverbs 4:2).

The apostle James warns against making plans without considering the Lord's will. He writes in James 4:14–16, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'" Ephesians 5:15–16 affirms Solomon's advice by telling us: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Psalm 1:1 characterizes as blessed or happy the person who refuses to walk in the way of sinners. Solomon assures his son that a well-pondered path establishes a secure direction for life.
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