Finding Meaning in the Book of Proverbs

There is a famously dangerous hike in the park which has high elevation and narrow exposed paths. In return for the risk you take, you get to observe the deep red canyons in contrast to the green grasses in the desert below. Seeing this was magnificent and I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty, vastness and majesty of the creator.

This hike pushed me in many ways, more than just the strenuous physical challenge in 40-degree Celsius heat. I was terrified while I walked. Looking at the dangers of the hike, the main reason for an untimely death, was distraction. It is so easy to try and get a better photo and misplace your footing. I did a lot of praying on this hike as I was very scared but through fixing my eyes on the Lord, I was able to be calm and, like Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

The Book of Proverbs has always fascinated me and I find myself only having to read small sections at a time as it is so rich with teachings and messages. The next chapter of Proverbs 4:26-27 says, “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” This verse was also one that resonated with me at the end of the hike. It made me think that even when we’re not on the side of a cliff but in our daily life, we can get distracted and go down the wrong path. In the end this will inhibit us from reaching the places we want to go. Through following God we can be on the right footing and not fall.