but you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day
Joshua 23:6
turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day
Deuteronomy 5:32
You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess
Proverbs 4:25
Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil
2 Kings 22:2
And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left
Hebrews 12:12
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
Joshua is old and he speaks to the people telling them to keep on a firm path with the Lord not turing to the left or the right. He is not the only one to state this truth. Jesus said “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few”. It is a common theme in scripture for those who are called by God. What is the straight path? I think it is having heart, mind, and soul with a purposeful desire to fully trust and humbly serve God. He is my portion, strength, shelter, rock, hope, peace, joy, love….. and is not replaced by things of this world. Keep your feet on solid ground. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Keep your heart’s desire for Him. Keep your ears listening for His voice and direction. Keep your trust in His strength, power, and might. Do not dilute His grace with your works. Want to be used by Him for His purpose, honor, and glory.
