Topical Bible: The Feet: To be Refrained from Evil

◄ The Feet: To be Refrained from Evil ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the feet often symbolize one's path or way of life, representing the choices and actions that define a person's journey. The concept of refraining one's feet from evil is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of walking in righteousness and avoiding the paths that lead to sin and destruction.

Scriptural Foundations

The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of feet to illustrate the moral and spiritual direction of an individual's life. In Proverbs 4:26-27 , the wise are instructed: "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 underscores the necessity of deliberate and careful choices, urging believers to maintain a straight path aligned with God's commandments.

Psalm 119:101 further reinforces this idea: "I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word." Here, the psalmist expresses a commitment to avoiding evil as a means of remaining faithful to God's word. The act of refraining one's feet from evil is portrayed as an essential aspect of obedience and devotion to God.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The call to refrain one's feet from evil is not merely about avoiding overtly sinful actions but also about cultivating a heart and mind that seek righteousness. In Isaiah 59:7-8 , the prophet laments the wickedness of those who do not heed this call: "Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks."

This passage highlights the destructive consequences of choosing evil paths, contrasting them with the peace and justice that accompany a righteous walk. The imagery of feet running to evil serves as a stark warning against the allure of sin and the ease with which one can be led astray.

Practical Application

For believers, refraining from evil involves a conscious effort to align one's actions with the teachings of Christ. Ephesians 6:15 speaks of having "your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace," suggesting that a life oriented towards the gospel naturally avoids evil. This readiness equips Christians to stand firm against temptation and to pursue paths that reflect the peace and righteousness of God's kingdom.

Moreover, the New Testament encourages believers to follow the example of Jesus, who walked in perfect obedience to the Father. In 1 Peter 2:21 , it is written: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." Following in the footsteps of Christ involves a commitment to holiness and a rejection of evil, embodying the virtues of love, humility, and service.

Conclusion

The biblical exhortation to refrain one's feet from evil is a call to a life of integrity and faithfulness. By choosing paths of righteousness and avoiding the allure of sin, believers demonstrate their commitment to God's will and reflect His light in a world often marked by darkness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 1:15
My son, walk not you in the way with them; refrain your foot from their path:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:13
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Mem.
... But what cometh next, doth not seem to apply to the Head, but to the Body: "I have
refrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy words" (ver.101). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/mem.htm

The Two Effects of the Gospel
... city and shook off the dust from his feet, to triumph at ... the drunkards came from
their cups, and swearers refrained their lips from evil speaking; thieves ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the two effects of the.htm

Miracles of Healing Solicited by the Sufferers.
... not stand before him; she fell down at his feet. ... have been, he would have shrunk
and refrained; he respected the human body in most evil case, and ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/v miracles of healing solicited.htm

The victory
... was tempted to answer the "if;" but He refrained from the ... The tempter can never compel
us to do evil. ... appear as a hideous monster, with cloven feet and bat's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 13 the victory.htm

Rhapsody
... Even so have they loved to wander; they have not refrained their feet: therefore
the ... the enemy to make supplication unto thee in the time of evil and in ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/rhapsody.htm

The Story of Job
... and upright, one who reveres God and avoids evil; he still ... the aged rose up and stood;
The princes refrained from talking ... "Eyes was I to the blind, Feet was I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of job.htm

Chapter i.
... your subscriptions, they may seem to remove the evil repute that ... of Scripture, loved
to wander, and have not refrained their feet [1185] ;' therefore ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/chapter i.htm

Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Contrast Between the ...
... God has spoken to the saints through His proper and only true Word, concerning which
the Psalmist said, I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I ...
/.../chapter xviii introduction to proverbs viii.htm

The Looks of Jesus
... and still His look draws us to His feet by its ... voluntary acts of a man who could
have refrained if he ... pity put out the pure flame of our indignation at evil. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the looks of jesus.htm

The Era of Persecution
... parts of her body, from the soles of her feet to the ... bloody conflict for the Christians;
and yet, though they refrained from resisting evil with material ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm