Topical Bible: The Feet: To be Guided by Wisdom and Discretion

◄ The Feet: To be Guided by Wisdom and Discretion ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the feet often symbolize one's path or journey in life, reflecting the choices and directions one takes. The Scriptures frequently emphasize the importance of guiding one's feet with wisdom and discretion, underscoring the moral and spiritual dimensions of our walk.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of guiding one's feet with wisdom is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs 4:26-27 advises, "Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil." This passage highlights the necessity of deliberate and thoughtful decision-making, ensuring that one's path aligns with righteousness and divine instruction.

Similarly, Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Here, the psalmist acknowledges the Word of God as the guiding light that illuminates the path of life, providing clarity and direction. The imagery of a lamp suggests the need for constant reliance on divine wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The feet, as a metaphor for one's journey, carry significant moral and spiritual implications. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , Paul exhorts believers, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This admonition calls for vigilance and prudence, recognizing the moral challenges and temptations that can divert one's path from righteousness.

The call to walk wisely is further echoed in Colossians 4:5 , "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time." Here, the emphasis is on the testimony of one's walk before others, suggesting that the way we conduct our lives can either draw others to or repel them from the truth of the Gospel.

The Role of Discretion

Discretion, closely linked with wisdom, is another key element in guiding one's feet. Proverbs 2:11 states, "Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you." Discretion involves the ability to make judicious decisions, discerning the right course of action in various situations. It acts as a safeguard, protecting the believer from folly and missteps.

The prudent exercise of discretion is also evident in the life of Jesus, who often withdrew from crowds to pray and seek the Father's guidance (Luke 5:16). His example underscores the importance of seeking divine counsel and exercising discernment in every aspect of life.

Practical Application

In practical terms, guiding one's feet with wisdom and discretion involves a commitment to regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of mature believers. It requires a heart attuned to the Holy Spirit, ready to respond to His leading and correction. As believers walk in wisdom, their lives become a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, reflecting the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.

The biblical call to guide one's feet with wisdom and discretion is a timeless exhortation, urging believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, fully pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 1:10). Through the diligent application of these principles, the believer's path is made secure, and their journey becomes a reflection of divine wisdom and grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 3:21,23,26
My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Scriptures
... the death.' Surely had their pen not been guided by God's ... his people with such a
measure of wisdom and discretion ... his Word as a lamp to thy feet; therefore if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... Oh, get wisdom, get discretion! Remember the words of Solomon: "Ponder the paths
of thy feet, and let thy ways be established" (Prov.4:26). ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
... He is guided to Padan-aram; God, his guide, leaves ... the last, when he gathers up his
feet in the ... placed where they need much prudence, discretion, and wisdom. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/never never never never never.htm

Judging, Asking, and Giving
... swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn ... The most expansive zeal
is to be guided by prudence ... the assurance that His love is wisdom, and that He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/judging asking and giving.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... The building in the rear is sixty-five feet in length ... to them all, so far as they
are guided by the ... show the aptitude of the means which divine wisdom saw fit ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... This man hath not the learning or wisdom of man ... no poet, nor a poet's son, But a
mechanic, guided by no ... and lift up the clothes From off his feet, and likewise ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... foot, with my knapsack on my back, guided by Indian ... mistaken in his religious system,
yet his wisdom in other ... was erected, one hundred and eight feet in length ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in ... did the church seem to march
on with feet so ready ... aside for you to accomplish by the hand of his wisdom. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

Light for those who Sit in Darkness
... footsteps another way, yet, even when justly angry, love guided his footsteps ... Down
at Jesus' feet,. ... the man to whom Jesus Christ is made wisdom and righteousness ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/light for those who sit.htm

The Anglican Reform
... a few of the Reformers [18] sat at his feet. ... what the consecrated elements were,"
with a wisdom which cannot ... their counsels to have been guided throughout, and ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/chapter i the anglican reform.htm