The Steps of a Good Man
In a world filled with chaos, confusion, and constant change, it’s easy to feel lost, like you're walking without a map. Whether you're facing difficult decisions, navigating personal trials, or simply wondering what God is doing in your life right now, Psalm 37:23 offers a powerful promise of hope.
📖 Psalms 37:23
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
This verse is more than just a poetic phrase, it's a divine truth that speaks directly into our modern-day struggles. It reassures us that God is not distant or passive; He is actively involved in the path you take, guiding each step with love, purpose, and perfect timing.
Today we will explore how to trust God’s direction in uncertain times, what it looks like to be a "good man" in today’s culture, and how to find peace even when the road ahead is unclear.
Whether you’re searching for biblical guidance, spiritual encouragement, or practical application of Scripture to your everyday life, this study will help you align your steps with God’s will, and delight in the journey He has set before you.
Contextual Background of Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm written by King David. Unlike many other psalms, it is not a prayer or praise but rather a piece of godly instruction. It contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the temporary prosperity of evildoers and the lasting blessings for those who trust in God.
🔑 Psalm 37:23 falls in a section of the psalm where David encourages the righteous to trust in God's providence, even when the world around them seems unjust.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
“The steps”
This indicates your actions, decisions, and daily journey. The metaphor of "steps" conveys movement, progression, and direction in life.
“of a good man”
The Hebrew word used here often means "strong," "mighty," or "valiant," but in the context of morality and righteousness. A “good man” is one who seeks after God, lives uprightly, and pursues righteousness. This is not about human perfection but about one who walks in faith and obedience.
“are ordered”
The verb “ordered” in Hebrew can be translated as “established,” “directed,” or “made firm.” It implies that the Lord sovereignly arranges, guides, and stabilizes the path of the righteous.
“by the LORD”
God oversees and directs the journey of the faithful. God is portrayed not as distant but as actively involved in your life.
“and he delighteth in his way.”
There is a dual interpretive possibility here:
- God delights in the way of the good man He directs.
- The good man delights in the way God has established for him.
👉 The Hebrew grammar supports both ideas, but many commentators lean toward the first interpretation: God takes pleasure in the journey and obedience of the righteous.
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:9
“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
Jeremiah 10:23
“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Application for Today
- Trust God’s Direction: Even when circumstances seem unclear, trust that your steps are being guided if you are walking with the Lord.
- Delight in the Path, Not Just the Destination: God calls us to enjoy and trust the process, not just the outcome.
- Encourage the Weary: Use this verse to comfort others who feel lost, reminding them that their faithfulness is seen and loved by God.
- Seek Righteousness Daily: A “good man” is defined not by perfection but by faithful obedience, repentance, and reliance on God.
Self-Assessment Questions
Am I Allowing God to Order My Steps, or Am I Demanding My Own Way?
Reflection: In today’s fast-paced world, there is constant pressure to take control of our future, career choices, finances, relationships, and even spiritual direction. Culture encourages self-sufficiency and personal ambition.
Real-Life Application:
- Do I start my day with prayer and asking God for direction, or do I rely solely on my own plans?
- When I face a major decision (job change, moving, relationships), do I pray and wait for God’s guidance, or act out of anxiety or impulse?
- In uncertain times, political unrest, economic instability, or personal crises, am I seeking God's peace before making decisions?
What Does “Being a Good Man” Mean in My Daily Life?
Reflection: The “good man” in Psalm 37:23 is not perfect, but one whose heart is aligned with God. In a world driven by performance, status, and opinion, character often takes a back seat.
Real-Life Application:
- Do I live with integrity even when no one is watching (online habits, business practices, private conversations)?
- Am I consistent in righteousness in both public and private life?
- Do I choose honesty over convenience, even if it costs me reputation, money, or comfort?
Do I Delight in the Way God Has Me Walking, Even If It’s Not What I Planned?
Reflection: “He delighteth in his way” means embracing God’s path with joy, even if it’s not glamorous, fast, or what we expected.
Real-Life Application:
- Am I comparing my life journey with others and losing contentment?
- When I face trials or delays (job loss, illness, singleness, financial strain), do I still trust that God’s path is good?
- Do I find peace in obedience, even if the reward isn't immediate or visible?
How Do I Respond When God’s Ordered Steps Lead Through Suffering or Delay?
Reflection: Being in God’s will doesn’t exempt us from hardship. In fact, the “ordered steps” may lead into storms, but with purpose.
Real-Life Application:
- Do I interpret hardship as abandonment by God or as part of His divine shaping?
- Have I learned to wait on God without bitterness?
- When life feels uncertain (wars, global crises, pandemics, inflation), does my trust in God remain steady?
📖 Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Am I Actively Walking, or Am I Standing Still Spiritually?
Reflection: “Steps” imply movement. A good man moves forward, even if slowly. Fear, distraction, or discouragement can cause spiritual stagnation.
Real-Life Application:
- Have I become paralyzed by fear or indecision in uncertain times?
- Am I taking consistent steps in spiritual growth, prayer, Word, fellowship, service, or just consuming religious content?
- What steps (even small ones) is God calling me to take today in faith?
Do I Find Joy in Pleasing God, or Am I Still Living to Please People?
Reflection: Modern culture thrives on external validation such as likes, shares, recognition, applause. But God delights in those who delight in walking His path, not public opinion.
Real-Life Application:
- Is my primary concern to please God in my decisions, or to look good to others?
- Would I still do what is right if no one acknowledged it?
- Have I compromised my convictions to fit into a crowd, workplace, or even "religious" circles?
Can I Look Back and See God’s Hand in My Past Steps?
Reflection: Faith is strengthened by remembering God’s faithfulness. Reflection builds confidence for the future.
Real-Life Application:
- Have I taken time to journal or reflect on how God has guided me in the past, especially through confusing seasons?
- Can I recognize blessings that only came through paths I didn’t choose?
- Am I teaching others to recognize God’s ordering hand in life?
📖 Psalms 77:11
"I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
Theological Implications
1. God’s Sovereign Guidance
This verse teaches the doctrine of divine providence. God doesn’t leave His people to wander aimlessly; He actively directs their steps, even in difficulty.
2. Human Responsibility and Obedience
Though God orders the steps, the "good man" must walk in them. Obedience to God’s leading is expected. The believer is not passive but responsive.
3. Joy in the Journey
Whether it is God delighting in the man’s way or the man delighting in God's path for him, joy is a result of walking in divine order. The way may not be easy, but it is blessed.
4. Encouragement Amid Trials
This verse reassures believers that God sees them, orders their lives, and rejoices in their faithfulness.
Closing Encouragement
In these uncertain times which are politically unstable, economically fragile, and socially divided, Psalm 37:23 becomes an anchor.
This verse isn’t a vague promise of comfort; it’s a call to walk with trust, obedience, and joy, even when you can’t see the full path.
👉 God does not promise an easy life, but He promises to order your steps and delight in your faithful journey.
⌛ Make time to examine your heart and renew your confidence.
Psalm 37:23 is a profound encouragement and reminds us that God is intimately involved in the paths we take. Each step, whether smooth or rough, is divinely ordered, and God takes pleasure in the journey of those who trust in Him.
This verse invites you to walk confidently, knowing that you are never alone, and that your faithfulness to God brings joy to the heart of God.
🙏 Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to You today with a heart that longs for direction and peace. In a world that feels unstable and unsure, I confess that I often try to take control, rushing ahead, leaning on my own understanding, and fearing the unknown.
Your Word reminds me that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD”, and so I choose today to lay down my plans and surrender my path to You.
Order my steps, Lord, not according to what is easy, but according to what is eternal. Please teach me to walk not by sight, but by faith. Help me to trust You even when the road ahead is unclear, when the doors seem closed, or when waiting feels like silence.
Make me that “good man,” O God, not by my own strength, but by Your grace at work in me. Shape my character, purify my heart, and make my desires align with Yours. Give me courage to walk in integrity, to do what is right even when it’s hard, and to live with a faith that reflects Your goodness.
When I am tempted to compare my journey to others, remind me that my steps are uniquely designed by Your loving hand. And when fear tries to paralyze me, please whisper to my soul that You are with me in every step, even the slow ones, even the painful ones.
Dear Father, I want to delight in Your way. Help me to find joy not just in the destination, but in the process of walking with You. Let me hear Your voice behind me saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” and may I follow without hesitation.
Thank You that I am not alone. Thank You that You delight in me, not because I am perfect, but because I am Yours.
In Jesus’ precious name I pray,
Amen.