What does it mean that 'the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD' (Psalm 37:23)?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Psalm 37:23 uses a metaphor of a walk to express how believers’ lives are guided by God: “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.” This psalm assures believers that God will guide and direct the affairs of those who love Him. The foundational message of this psalm is love and trust in God. This message pervades the Old and New Testaments. Those who delight in the Lord will seek to know Him through the Bible (Psalm 119:97). From the New Testament on, the Lord also provides us with a “Helper,” the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). Whatever situation believers face, they can decide rightly based on what they know of the Lord through His Word as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit. Because of this, believers don’t worry to the same extent that the world does. We love and trust the Lord to work all things to our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Psalm 37:23 promises that, if we walk according to God’s ways, He will take care of us no matter what happens. We can’t be led astray because God is our guide.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Psalm 37:23–24 says, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be case headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.” The Lord directs the lives of those who love Him. Those who delight in the Lord will study His Word and seek to live in a way that pleases God. This does not guarantee always-pleasant circumstances or even that we will not fail and fall into sin. But we know that God’s ways are for our best. When we are living unto Him, we can trust Him and His sovereign care.
• Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word, the Bible, shows us who God is and provides guidance on how to live. Regular reading and study of the Bible leads to wise decisions based on its precepts. The psalmist compares the guidance of God’s word to “a lamp” that lights our path in life; following its precepts shows us the proper way and helps us avoid missteps.
• Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” The foundation of Psalm 37:23 is trust in the Lord. This is also the message of Proverbs 3:5–6. Relying on our own understanding leads us astray. God is our omniscient Creator, so He knows us better than we know ourselves.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Romans 8:28 expresses God’s sovereignty and providence in our affairs: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” “Those who love God” are those who “delight in his way” (Romans 8:28; Psalm 37:23). In both scriptures, God’s providence is at work in the lives of those who love Him.
• Those who delight in God’s way read His word. The Bible teaches us God’s ways and helps us to decide rightly. Second Timothy 3:16–17 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” That “training in righteousness” helps us navigate life in a way that pleases our Lord and benefits us.
• Like Psalm 37:23, Matthew 6:31–33 describes how God watches over His children: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Those who delight in God’s ways prioritize His kingdom. We may worry—but not as unbelievers do. We know that our perfect Heavenly Father is our guide.
• Besides the Bible, believers today are guided by the Holy Spirit. In John 14:15–17 Jesus promises, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” Paul and Silas were directed by the Holy Spirit in their missionary work (Acts 16:6). Believers then and now are guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches us and helps us remember what our Lord has taught us in His Holy Word (John 14:26; 16:13).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God is sovereign and directs the affairs of all people in accordance with His perfect will (Romans 8:28; 12:2). Psalm 37:23 specifically refers to those who delight in God and desire to follow His Word—believers. To understand and obey God’s will, we must regularly read and study the Bible. Since New Testament times, each believer has had the additional guidance and equipping of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Second Peter 1:3 says that God’s “divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” God has given us all we need to abide in Him as He abides in us (John 15:1–17). As we live for Him, we can trust Him fully. We can also seek Him for wisdom in all of our circumstances (James 1:5). When we are rooted in God’s Word, have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, and avail ourselves of the wisdom of brothers and sisters in Christ, we will know what to do; and we can trust God with the outcome. Even if the repercussions of following God seem severe at times—losing a job, losing friends, facing persecution—Psalm 37:23 gives us confidence in God's providence under all circumstances. We will never be led astray as God is our guide.

UNDERSTAND

• God directs the steps of those who delight in His way, guiding their lives and decisions.
• Those who are committed to following the Lord experience His guidance and provision.
• By delighting in God and His ways, believers trust that He will work all things together for their good, ensuring their path is established.

REFLECT

• How have you seen God’s guidance in your life when you have delighted in His way and trusted Him?
• How can you intentionally align your daily decisions with God's Word and His will?
• How does knowing that God directs your steps impact your trust in Him during unclear times?

ENGAGE

• How does Psalm 37:23 relate to other scriptures about God’s guidance, such as Proverbs 3:5–6 and Psalm 119:105?
• How do the roles of the Holy Spirit and the Bible complement each other in guiding a believer’s steps according to John 14:16–17 and 2 Timothy 3:16–17?
• What practical steps can believers take to ensure they are aligning their decisions with God’s will and experiencing His guidance as described in Romans 8:28?