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It is our wisdom to look into our own hearts, to inquire seriously and impartially into the state of religion in our minds; that we may form a true judgment of our real character in the sight of God, and may be better able to regulate our future conduct.

I. EXPLAIN THE PRECEPT OF THE TEXT: "Ponder the path of thy feet." This includes —

1. A serious inquiry — into our past conduct, i.e., of the general tenor of our conduct; whether it has been agreeable to our character as men and as Christians, agreeable to the dictates of right reason, and the precepts of the gospel.

2. A diligent examination of the motives of our conduct, and the principal ends we have pursued in life; whether they are those which religion points out, or those which are recommended by the example of the world around us. Let us particularly attend to the state of our mind. Our chief motive is to be the "glory of God." This motive is of all others the most extensive, and where it has its due place in the mind, will prove the most effectual means of regulating the conduct.

3. Considering attentively what our ruling passion is, and what influence it has had in determining our conduct. Every man has something peculiar in the make or constitution of his mind, which inclines him more strongly to some pursuits than to others, and which consequently lays him more open to temptation from that quarter than from any other.

4. A diligent inquiry into the present temper and state of our minds; the settled purpose and resolution of the mind, the prevailing bent of the will and affections. In what light does sin appear to us? What are our sentiments of the law of God? How do we stand affected towards the great objects of faith?

5. The examination recommended in the text must be accompanied with a sincere resolution and a correspondent endeavour by Divine assistance to reform the errors of our past life, and to make continual advances in virtue and goodness.

II. THE ADVANTAGES THAT WILL ATTEND THE PRACTICE OF IT. Steadiness and uniformity of conduct is the result of habitual consideration and reflection.

1. This will be a probable means of securing us from all fatal errors and miscarriages, or of restoring us to the path of duty, if we have wandered from it.

2. The habit of reflection will confirm and strengthen the mind, and enable us to make continual advances in holiness.

III. SOME DIRECTIONS THAT MAY ASSIST US IN THE PERFORMANCE OF WHAT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED.

1. Set yourself as in the presence of God.

2. Implore the Divine direction and assistance.

3. Be upon your guard against the deceitfulness of your own hearts, while you are conversing with them.

4. Fear not to know the worst of your case.

5. Pursue the inquiry till you have brought it to some conclusion, and faithfully observe and comply with the admonitions which conscience may give you.

6. Frequently renew the exercise of self-examination according to the directions laid down. Improvement —

1. See the great end we should propose to ourselves by this self-inquiry.

2. The great importance of self-examination to the Christian life.

(R. Clark.)

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KJV: Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

WEB: Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.