A. The LORD…

1. …makes your steps firm (23-27)

23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.
27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. .

2. …loves justice (28-33)

28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;
29 the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.
32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

B. For your future…

1. Wait for the LORD and keep his way (34-36)

34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

2. Consider the blameless, observe the upright (37-40)

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Summary

God created all people in his image. His design was for everyone to live in happiness and security. Sin leads people to make themselves their own god and to live according to selfish desires. Our society creates boundaries and divisions, encouraging us to judge other people based on how they benefit us as well as by our own particular religious standards. Our Lord Jesus transcends religion. Let’s follow Jesus and become people who make peace wherever we go.

For Discussion

1. What is “the LORD’s way” that we should keep?
2. What does it mean to observe the upright?