Have you wondered what the Bible says about paths? How does the Bible define a path? How do I get on the right path with God? And how do I stay on the path?
These are all questions we will dig into right now.
What does the Bible say about paths?
There are actually 84 verses in the Bible that are about paths (ESV). There are paths that lead us closer to the Lord and others that go the wrong way and further from Him.
Definition of a path in the Bible
There isn’t a specific verse that says, “Here’s the definition.” We can learn the definition of the word itself and how it is used.
The word path in Hebrew is ‘orach,’ which means way, road, or a way of living. That is a common definition that we would use today for paths.
What does the Bible say about the path God has for you?
Like God’s Will, there is a general path that God desires us to take. Then there are specific paths that God may have for you.
The path that we all should be taking is one of righteousness. I love that Proverbs says that the ‘path of righteousness is life.’ (Prov 12:28 ESV). When we are doing what is right, or the righteous life, we will be living life. I would describe it as a full life.
Those who aren’t on God’s path are living life too. But it isn’t a good life. Proverbs 2:15 says, their paths are crooked, and they are devious in their ways. I imagine that life is full of heartache, misery, and anger.
These verses in Proverbs are so rich! We obtain knowledge and understanding from the sound wisdom that comes from God. He is a shield to those who walk in the right way. He guards the path of the saints and watches over their ways (Prov. 2:6-8 ESV). This makes me feel safe, how about you?
Bible Verses about Paths: How to get on the Right Path with God
In talking about God’s wisdom and right living, it should come as no surprise to you that the right path will mean studying His Word.
1. God’s Word Lights the Way
When we are unsure where to go, God’s Word will lead the way. We can study it and the instruction will help show us the way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
2. Keep His Commands & Receive Benefits
When we keep His commands, we have a path that is full of God’s loving-kindness. And His faithfulness gives us stability and peace. He will be by our side and provide for us.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Psalm 25:10 ESV
3. God’s Path is Pleasing
When we follow His path and the commandments He wants us to obey, we find that this way is pleasing to us. We want to do what He wants as we know that it will result in blessings.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Psalm 119:35 ESV
Studying God’s Word is how you get on this path and stay on it.
What does the Bible say about Staying on the Path?
We need to acknowledge Him in everything we do. That is how we stay on a straight path (Prov 3:6 ESV).
By continuing in righteousness or right-living, we will have a level highway (Prov. 4:26 ESV) or a level path in general (Isaiah 26:7-8 ESV).
There will be times when life will throw us curves. We have to determine how a righteous person would respond. And at times, that is so hard! We want to run, we want to yell and cry out in anger. That was part of my story when my job changed a few years ago. When it first happened, I was angry, in shock, and crying. Not just a few drops sliding down my cheeks. There were buckets of tears folks!
I knew God had a plan. But I felt that I had failed and had to go through a time of accepting what happened and forgiving those who I felt had wronged me. I had to accept the new path in front of me and move forward.
The Path of Life
God’s Path is the best path as it leads to life and full joy. I love, love, LOVE this verse in Psalms! It really sums “paths” all up! I know I have posted this picture and verse before, but this verse is worth repeating. And one I recommend memorizing.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Reflection Thoughts
- Read Proverbs 2:6-11. List all the things that God does for us.
- List all the things that we need to do.
- As a result of both of our actions, what will God do for us in vs 9-11?
- For an extra stretch, continue reading vs. 12-22 and list all the things that God will do for us.
- Spend time thanking God for all these great promises!
**************
Resource Library
Check out the Resource Library for downloadable resources! There are Bible reading plans, verse cards, and some bookmarks as well. Enjoy!
Thanks for this insightful post on what the Bible says about path. It is our desire to always be on right path and not go astray, I liked how you stressed the importance of the word of God.
That is the desire but somehow we get distracted and go off the path for a shiny object. And thank you–God’s Word is so important for helping us stay on His Path!
Hey there, Cindy! Great post! I had know idea that there were so many references in the bible about paths. Thank you for breaking down what the bible says about paths for us! One thing I know as I grow in maturity as a Christian – you will know when you are or are not on the path in which God desires for you!
Isn’t God’s Word amazing? There are so many topics in the Bible and you really don’t know it until you start to dig in. I agree with you about being on the path knowing. Although, I think at times He will pull you off when you don’t expect it. With my job change this last year, I had been crying out to Him to work through the issues but didn’t really think that I’d be pulled off that path. What I am saying is you can seem to be doing all the right things and be on the right path and God says, nope–I need you over here. In hindsight, I can see how I was really seeking more about myself and doing what I wanted to do what I thought was still within His Plan.
Yes God will always make our paths straight, we must stay in prayer and in His word. Thank you for this insightful post
You are welcome and thanks for checking it out!
I love the Psalms, there is so much guidance and it’s so easy to follow the wrong path. I love your thoughts!
Thanks, Ava! I love the Psalms too. They can really speak to your heart.
I love this post on what the Bible says about paths. Very thought provoking and I love how many verses you discovered in His Word that talks about the path.
Aw, thanks, Donna! God really has so many topics in the Bible and you learn more each time you dig into His Word!
I love to do in-depth word studies in the Bible, but this is a first for me. What the Bible says about paths is new insight, a fresh perspective! Words matter! I think we could explore all of our life and still have much to uncover of God’s wisdom, and to me, that is such an exciting thought! Thanks for giving me a chance to learn more!
You are welcome, Teresa! That is so encouraging to hear that you love exploring God’s Word! It can be so fun – we just need to sit down and take the time to soak it all in.
Thanks for this insightful post! It’s such a beautiful reminder of understanding Gods direction and the very simple action really that requires us to understand Gods path for us. Which is using his word! I am going to go dig into that passage now!
Thanks, Megan! Thanks for reading it and wanting to dig into it more. God’s Word is so awesome and we can learn so much from it if we take the time to dig into it.
Love this! God’s path is the right path. It took me a few years to figure that out but so glad I did. There are so many counterfeits that leads us on wrong paths. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Mary. I like how you say counterfeit paths….so true! It is the lies of the evil who makes them appear real!
Thanks, Mary. I like how you say Counterfeit paths. That is the evil one who makes them look real and shiny. And I know it well too!
Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom about what the Bible says about paths. God’s path is the only one I want to follow!
Thanks, Merry. Me too!
Great reflections. I often talk about the verses in Proverbs about paths and show my children that the Lord will provide them guidance. Thank you.
You are welcome! Keep on sharing God’s Word with the kids – they can soak it right up!
I love this post! I have never thought about what the Bible says about paths, but there are a lot of verses. This is a wonderful resource. I’m going to pin this and refer back to it.
Thanks, Heather. I appreciate that!
I’ve never read a study about paths in the Bible before. This was quite interesting! Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Definitely saving this.
Thanks, Summer!
Thanks for this review of what the Bible says about paths. I found it very encouraging! It is comforting to remember that God has a path for our life and though we divert from time to time, God is always shining a light at the on-ramp!
You are welcome! It is encouraging and seeing the light on the path helps guide us back to Him!
What an insightful and encouraging blog post! I loved how you shared about what the Bible says about our paths! It’s definitely comforting to know that His way is greater than our ways! x
Thanks, Michelle, you’re welcome!
Great topical study about paths in the Bible 🙂 My family loves hiking and I’ll be sure to share this with them and focus on these verses to memorize on our next hike!
That would be a great application for this! Enjoy your hiking on God’s Path!
I just love learning the Hebrew words for things. It adds so much to it, thank you!
I do too. It really helps to understand what you are reading. I really wish that I had learned both languages in Seminary but I wasn’t interested at the time. One of those 2020 vision things!