Proverbs 3:6-8 "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (8) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."
Let's begin with some word definitions in order to better understand these
passages, especially verse 7. I don't mean to insult anyone's
intelligence, but definitions of words can make a big difference to the context
of Scripture. The first definition is a review of the word, fear. It
means to honor, or give reverence to, the Lord. The next definition is for the
word, evil. Yes, it can mean wickedness. I surely do not want to dismiss that
definition; but, it also can mean "adversity, affliction, calamity."
With these latter definitions, what could verses 6 and 7 be saying to
us? In my simple way of thinking, God is saying that if we will look to
Him and seek His wisdom, we will avoid most adversity, afflicitons, and
calamities. I say most of these because there are times when God
allows things to happen in our lives that we try to identify as adversity when
in reality, He is simply leading us in a way that is contrary to our own
desires and whims.
It seems to me the safest way to conduct each day is by starting it with the
prayer of asking God to show us His way. Then as the day progresses, it is good
to stop and ask again, "Lord, is this your path for me, or have I taken a
turn that is from my own desire?" To quote a song written by a good
friend, Don Powell, "Here I am Lord, please take me, and show me the
way."