Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
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Bible Commentary
Psalm 37:23 is a popular Bible verse from the Old Testament that assures us of the Lord’s guidance in our lives.
It is interesting that the words used by the Psalmist here are the steps of a good man, and not something more general like, the life or the day of a good man.
It is a great comfort to know that the Lord is not only with us, but guiding each and every step. He observes and is intricately involved in every detail of our lives. Psalm 139:16 says,
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them”
He knew us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb, and our days were written in His book and were formed and framed out for us. He made a place for us in this world.
Unlocking the Truth – Courage in Christ
He has gone before us to prepare a place for us, and that includes every step it takes to get there (John 14:2), every detail of our lives. Even when Christ was dying on the cross, He made provision for the care of His mother and her future. He assigned His friend John this important task because He trusted him.
John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
He gave us room to live and move here on the earth and the free will of choice, which is where the term “good man” comes in from Psalm 37:23.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
“Good man” in Hebrew translates to: properly a valiant man or warrior; generally a person. The root word meanings are: to be strong, prevail, be mighty.
There are many times in the Bible when the Lord gives instructions to be strong and/or courageous. He tells us in Hebrews 10:38,
Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.
It takes courage to follow Jesus Christ. It takes strength to walk by faith. That’s why He calls us to be like soldiers in 2 Timothy 2:3,
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Opportunities by Design
God ordered our steps and designed opportunities for us to make a choice to be a good man:
· To believe in Him and accept Him, or not
· To be strong or shrink back in fear
· To walk by faith or by sight
· To cling to the world, or cling to Him.
Thankfully, He provides multiple opportunities every day. When we fail, He holds us up. Read Psalm 37:23 and 24 together.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Note it doesn’t say the He delights in our way when we make the right decision. It says He delights in our “way,” which in Hebrew means: course of life, journey, and manner. He knows the course of life we have chosen as a soldier of Christ, and He delights in our journey. Because we have accepted Jesus Christ by faith, His Divine light within us attracts the desire and delight of the Father.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
Study the Bible verse of 37:23 and rest assured that as a soldier of Jesus Christ, the Lord plans and guides your path.
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