Heed God’s Road Signs

A foolish driver ignores warning signs on the road. God’s Word is full of warning signs to help us keep away from religious dead ends and spiritually dangerous places. The psalmist shares his experience of faithfully meditating on God’s Word–he has learned to “keep [his] feet from every evil path” (101). Every time he comes to an evil path, he avoids it when he obeys the road sign. Knowledge alone is insufficient; obedience is essential (100). Consistent obedience to God’s Word keeps us from evil paths (Psa. 119:11).

Not only does God’s Word help us to keep away from evil paths, but it also creates a hatred for “every wrong path” (104). Understanding gained will show how treacherous evil paths are, how much damage they can bring, and how much God hates them. If you read God’s Word and obey it diligently, you will come to hate sin and evil. You will avoid evil paths not only because you fear the consequences but also because you have a revulsion for such paths. If what you are offered is poison but it smells good, you stay away from it out of fear and the warning given. But if you come to hate the smell of the poison, you will move away from it even before reading the warning sign. Revulsion for sin and evil is mirrored by the delightful taste for God’s Word, which is “sweeter than honey” (103). Not only is it good for the soul, but it also tastes good.

Our reading God’s Word and obeying it is strengthened when we go beyond human teachers to the Lord himself (“you yourself have taught me,” 102). When he teaches, our hearts glow within us (Luke 24:32) and we gain superior wisdom and insight (98-99). Look for him when you open your Bible (Matt. 11:29).

The next time you open your Bible, consciously invite Jesus to teach you. Recognize his presence and see what difference it makes.