Making Choices

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”