Make a Level Path – Proverbs 4

“Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” – Proverbs 4:26

A few years ago, I had the unfortunate experience of tearing the retinas in both of my eyes. They didn’t both tear at once. The second one tore about two weeks after the first.

The tears themselves weren’t painful, just bizarre. A large black ribbon of blood suddenly floated into my field of vision. I was driving when the first one went and it was a truly strange experience to no longer be able to see properly in one eye.

After a rather futile examination in the local Emergency Room – they just didn’t have the right equipment for that type of eye exam – I finally was sent to someone who was able to laser my retina back together.

Then two weeks later it all happened again in the other eye. Ugh. Since that first experience with the laser, I have had so many eye procedures that I stopped counting. The doctors have been very diligent about re-sticking any trouble spots as they popped up.

I also underwent a procedure where they peeled the retina off of the back of my eye to scrape away the huge amount of scar tissue that had accumulated there. That left me needing an artificial lens in one eye.

What does this have to do with our verse for today?

While my vision is actually pretty good now, this whole experience has pretty much destroyed my depth perception. There was a period when I was nervous about walking around the block in my own neighbourhood. I was afraid to trip over the cracks in the sidewalk.

And yes, I did fall several times, seemingly tripping over absolutely nothing at all. I still need to be extra careful in watching where I’m going, especially where there might be a curb or uneven ground. I just can’t see it.

So the admonition to “make a level path for your feet” makes perfect sense to me.

Don’t put yourself in a position where you might stumble. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk alone, but instead stay in fellowship with other believers who can watch out for you along the way.

Here’s what Paul says:

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17

“Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” – Proverbs 4:26

Please be sure to read the chapter of Proverbs from which this devotional is taken. The point of these posts is to inspire or remind you to dig into Proverbs for yourself. May God bless you and give you strength and wisdom to live your best life for him!