Proverbs 4:26 (Mini Sermon)

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26. Pro 4:26 - "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." A. Ponder the path of thy feet, i. Ponder v. - 1. trans. To ascertain the weight of; to weigh. In quot. c1470 absol. Also fig. Obs. 4. To weigh (a matter, words, etc.) mentally; to give due weight to and consider carefully; to think over, meditate upon. ii. Solomon here encourages us to carefully consider and think seriously about where we are headed in life. iii. We must consider our ways (Hag 1:5). iv. Consider v. - 1. To view or contemplate attentively, to survey, examine, inspect, scrutinize. 3. trans. To contemplate mentally, fix the mind upon; to think over, meditate or reflect on, bestow attentive thought upon, give heed to, take note of. v. We must search and try our ways (Lam 3:40). vi. We must walk circumspectly (Eph 5:15). a. Circumspectly adv. - In a circumspect manner, with circumspection; cautiously, warily, carefully. b. Circumspect adj. - 1. Of things or actions: Marked by circumspection, showing caution, well-considered, cautious. 2. Of persons: Watchful on all sides, attentive to everything, cautious, heedful of all circumstances that may affect action or decision. vii. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith (2Co 13:5). viii. If we don't seriously think about where we're going, we will likely go the way the world leads. B. and let all thy ways be established. i. If we ponder the path of our feet, our ways will be established. a. Establish v. - 1. To render stable or firm. †a. To strengthen by material support (obs.). †b. To ratify, confirm, validate (obs.). c. To confirm, settle (what is weak or wavering); to restore (health) permanently; to give calmness or steadiness to (the mind). †d. catachr. To calm (anger), to settle (doubts). b. In other words, if we seriously consider where we are going in life, our decisions and actions (our ways) will be strengthened, unwavering, and steady which will lead to calmness of mind and alleviation of doubts and fears. c. "Commit thy works unto the LORD and thy thoughts shall be established." (Pro 16:3) ii. All our ways need to be established. a. Way n. - III. Course of life or action, means, manner. 11. a. A path or course of life; the activities and fortunes of a person. b. pl. Habits of life, esp. with regard to moral conduct. b. All of our activities and habits need to be established, and they will be if we seriously consider where we are going in life. c. Our ways include our religious and spiritual life, family life, love life, work life, and personal life as well as our entertainment, recreation, and relationships. d. We should consider all our ways and make sure they are heading in the direction God wants them to be.