The Big Deal with Straight

Have you ever noticed how important straight is in the Bible?  There are hundreds of passages (honestly I did not count them all, but there are a whole lot) discussing paths, ways, gazes, goings, etc. all being straight.  Straight ahead, straightway, staring straight, wings straight, legs straight, paths straight, straight up and on and on it goes!  The crooked is made straight.  Ways should be straight.  People proceed straight.  Prophecies include straight and proverbs encourage straight.  It’s as if God has something against winding ways or crooked paths.  What’s the deal?

So, we are going to look at just one of the many scriptures and delve into the details of this straight fascination to see if we can discovery anything.  By the way, this is a journey for me as much as it may be for you.  

Proverbs 3:5-6 

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. 

Ok.  So here we have a promise written by King Solomon, the noted wisest man in the world, that if you would acknowledge the Lord, He will make “straight” your paths in return.  So based on the context of the verse, it is not a stretch to suggest that the reference implies that straight paths are better than the alternative.  Straight paths evidently result from acknowledging the Lord, and they are better than the paths that result from not acknowledging Him, presumably crooked paths.  

Why are straight paths better?  Sometimes it is nice to wander on a winding path, taking in all the sights and sounds.  That can be very enjoyable.  On a straight path, you can see everything ahead of you pretty readily.  Wait… Straight paths allow us to see what’s in front of us more clearly.  Even more than that, a straight path allows us to see further in front of us than we could ever see on a crooked path.  Wow.  If I am trying to go somewhere, not just wandering, I think a straight path would be a better path.  

But crooked paths provide more interest.  They take you into different areas, and while you don’t travel distances as fast, you do have a more interesting trip.  That is true.  But is it not also true that winding paths allow for more danger as well.  Every turn and hitch in the way provides an opportunity for unseen danger to lurk and possibly strike an unaware traveler.  Straight paths provide much less opportunity for Bandidos to hide and strike unannounced.  No turns mean less blind spots.  This is much better for the traveler going somewhere through uncharted territory.  

But crooked paths are more likely safer than straight paths since the traffic on the path has to slow more frequently.  Winding ways naturally keep traffic slower.  But straight paths allow for faster travel.  If one can see far into the distance than they can travel at higher speeds more confidently.  If I am going somewhere, I would rather take the straight way in a fast manner than to slowly wind around a crooked path.  

But on crooked paths, you can feel like you are all alone.  That can be peaceful and fulfilling to be with one’s self in a winding way where others are not in the same area as you.  True.  But if I am following someone, I want a straight path.  It is much easier to keep close to someone and keep track of another person’s direction when you can see them directly ahead of you.  On a crooked path, you can lose vision of the person you are following.  On a straight path, you can keep an eye on the person you are following, even in the distance.  

So in summary: it seems that if you want to go slow, get lost and stay where you are, a crooked path may be just the right fit for you.  But if you are intent on going somewhere, keeping up with the person in front of you and getting to your destination in a safe and timely manner, the straight path is the ticket.  Why does the Bible emphasize straight paths and ways?  Because the Bible wants us to go somewhere.  Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways, and He will make straight your paths. When you put the Lord in your way, He will get rid of the dangerous corners, the hitches, and turns that provide an opportunity for those who desire to harm you.  He will give you clear sight far down the path leading you forward so that you will be able to confidently proceed into the territory that He has opened up before you.  Most importantly, when you put the Lord in your way, He will go before you in the path - straight away and without delay.