When Our Feet Get Us Into Trouble

The book of Proverbs seems to move from part to part in the human body to address where we may lack in wisdom. We are in chapter 10 and the emphasis is on the feet. 

Proverbs 19:1–3 (ESV) Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. 2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. 3 When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.

These first three verses make important points. Your feet, let by a crooked tongue will bring ruin and it reveals a tremendous lack of self-awareness and pride to blame God for your problems. First, check that you live what you believe, second, don't let desire dictate your steps, and third, walk carefully into your choices. 

If we skip down a few verses, the theme picks up again.
Proverbs 19:15 (ESV) Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:24 (ESV) The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

While we must walk circumspectly, we cannot be idle. There's a danger to hasty decisions that lead to ruin and also a danger to inaction that leads to poverty. The happy medium is to measure our desires by God's Word and walk accordingly. 

Consider verse 24. The sluggard starts but does not complete his endeavor. It is foolishness to set out to do something and not complete it. The action of beginning may be easy or exciting but the completion yields reward. 

Proverbs 19:16 (ESV) Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die.
Proverbs 19:27 (ESV) Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Ultimately, our lives are measured not by how much we get or how many people we impress. Proverbs invite us to measure our lives by how much we fear the Lord and honor His ways. Fearing God is the best way to protect your life!

Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

The chapter asks an important question: Are we wise in our walk?

Do we live with integrity and the fear of the Lord? Are we keeping our lives busy in industry or idleness? And most importantly, are we letting God's Word change how we live? These questions are not just good for spiritual reflection, they are life-saving examinations. 

Let us guard our feet and walk in His ways. 

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