How can we "avoid evil" in our daily decision-making processes? Setting the Scene with Proverbs 16:17 “The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.” What the “Highway” Picture Teaches Us • A highway is intentional—built, marked, and maintained. • It’s elevated—set apart from side roads that lead who-knows-where. • Staying on it keeps us moving forward; detours slow or endanger us. Guarding Your Way: Practical Steps 1. Stay on the Main Route of God’s Word • Daily reading lights the path (Psalm 119:105). • Memorizing Scripture installs guardrails (Psalm 119:11). 2. Choose Companions Who Travel the Same Direction • “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Walking with the wise keeps you wise (Proverbs 13:20). 3. Use the “Turn Signal” of Prayerful Dependence • Invite the Spirit to direct each decision (Galatians 5:16). • Pause before acting; ask, “Will this keep me on the highway?” 4. Watch the Road Signs of Conscience • The Spirit alerts through inner checks (Romans 8:16). • Ignoring small warnings often leads to larger crashes. 5. Take Every Exit from Temptation Immediately • God always provides an escape ramp (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Delayed exits make collisions more likely. Daily Decision-Making Checklist • Is this choice consistent with clear Scripture? • Will it strengthen or weaken my walk with Christ? • Could it cause another believer to stumble? (Romans 14:13) • Would I be comfortable doing this if Jesus were visibly beside me? (He is—Matthew 28:20.) Maintaining the Highway • Regular confession removes debris (1 John 1:9). • Worship and fellowship resurface worn areas (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serving others keeps traffic flowing in the right direction (Galatians 6:9-10). Encouragement for the Journey “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till midday.” (Proverbs 4:18) Staying on God’s highway is not about rigid rules but about joyful progress. Guard your way, and your life will be preserved—just as Proverbs 16:17 promises. |
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