12:13Hebrews 12:13

The verse commands a straight, careful, upright course of life so that those who are spiritually weak, lame, wavering or inexperienced are not turned out of the way but are healed and restored.8T 79.2+2 The lame are those weak in experience and moral strength, not firmly established in truth, halting with defects of character, including inexperienced followers who trust the judgment of experienced professors.Ms 143, 1899, par. 10–12+2 Making such straight paths requires coming close to God, taking Scripture as the rule of life, depending constantly on Christ, and walking with integrity that will not turn aside for self-advantage or to please men.Ms 4, 1885, par. 1+4 Crooked paths are made by continuing in sin, selfishness, dishonesty, criticism and faultfinding, false teaching, and every careless word and example, which discourages the weak, plants bitterness, and turns lame souls aside.Lt 97, 1896, par. 12–15+4 The weak are healed when the strong sustain the tempted with sympathy, encouragement, prayer, plain kindly correction of wrong, confession and removal of stumbling-blocks, and a consistent godly example that leads them to trust Christ.ST Sep 10, 1902+4

The verse commands a straight, careful, upright course in life and action that keeps the path clear and safe for others, so that what is spiritually weak, lame, wavering, faltering or inexperienced is not pushed or turned out of the way but is helped toward healing and restoration.8T 79.2+4 It calls for coming very close to God by carrying Christ's spirit and teachings into everyday life, looking critically at self and comparing character with the only standard of righteousness, with faith and intelligent knowledge of Scripture, rather than making crooked paths through want of faith.8T 79.2+2 It is one of the very highest incentives to form characters God can approve, showing rich grace in store so that no one need be hopeless, sink into discouragement, or remain in the darkness of error while Christ is presented in fullness.8T 79.2+2 Careful attention to how one's actions affect others is required, including gentleness in dealing with ministers and others facing difficulty so as not to further discourage or harm them.8T 79.2+2

The lame are those weak in experience and moral strength, with little moral power to resist, not firmly established in truth, wavering, halting, spiritually faltering, with defects of character.Ms 143, 1899, par. 10–12+4 They include inexperienced followers who follow experienced professors supposing their judgment wise, church members who magnify small offenses and lose sight of goodness and grace, and weak suffering souls needing most judicious treatment.Ms 143, 1899, par. 10–12+2 A believer's crooked conduct becomes an excuse for them to deviate from righteousness, while a straight consistent course keeps them from going astray.RH Jun 5, 1900+2

Making straight paths is the same special work commanded in Isaiah to strengthen weak hands and feeble knees, by lifting up what hangs down and keeping the path straight and right so those lame in faith are not turned aside but healed.Lt 55a, 1898, par. 12–13+2 Lifting hanging hands means sympathizing with and lifting the weakest, strengthening feeble knees means upholding those feeble in faith who strive to do right under discouragement and darkness, and making straight paths means bidding fearful hearts be strong, winning, encouraging and inspiring hope and faith to save and not destroy souls.Ms 33, 1894, par. 13–14+2 The work that bears divine approval reveals Jesus in His love, carefulness and tenderness in dealing with minds, speaking no harsh or bitter words that discourage, following peace with all and holiness, since zeal without discretion and patience disobeys and makes men agents in discouraging souls.Ms 33, 1894, par. 13–14+2 This labor is not done alone, for angels are ministering spirits sent to minister to heirs of salvation and Christ helps as merciful and faithful high priest who was tempted and can succor the tempted, and it must continue even when unappreciated, as Christ pitied and helped though lightly esteemed, refused, and put to death.Ms 37, 1902, par. 30–32+1

The verse is also a personal plea to keep one's own feet from straying out of the right way, with prayer for the Lord to help and strengthen and bless in staying in the right way.Lt 39, 1902, par. 29+2 It calls God's people to make their course straight and right by seeking the Lord and following His way, in order to gain a deep experience of faith that will stand the test ahead.Lt 39, 1902, par. 29+2 Believers are to advance along the narrow path that leads to everlasting life in a way that helps keep others from turning aside, with Jesus with them each day as Helper and Strength.Lt 39, 1902, par. 29+2

Keeping the eye single to the glory of God, walking in the light as Christ is in the light and in the footsteps of Jesus, makes the way truth and freedom and light.Lt 183, 1909, par. 9–11 It is done with simplicity, meekness, and humbling of self so that Christ does the uplifting and gives courage, including by children as well as adults.Lt 183, 1909, par. 9–11 It requires letting light shine amid moral darkness by words and works that testify to being in the light, reflecting that light to souls in darkness, helping poor souls perishing in sin, speaking words that give brightness to revive others, and telling them Christ is light with no darkness at all.Lt 183, 1909, par. 9–11 This is urgent because the time to work is short, and this life prepares the family to meet together in the city of God.Lt 183, 1909, par. 9–11

The call to make straight paths belongs together with following peace with all and holiness without which no one will see the Lord, with looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up to trouble and defile many, and lest there be any fornication or profaneness like Esau who sold his birthright and afterward found no place of repentance.Lt 35, 1898, par. 20–21+4 It requires every church member, especially Sabbath-keeping Adventists continuing in sin, to straighten conduct by giving up sinful and lustful practices, for continuing in sin makes them false in God's sight, counterworks His work, and turns weak lame souls out of the way into sin and unclean practices that defile the whole being.Lt 35, 1898, par. 20–21 Instead example and influence must heal the lame by a holy life, by a straight and consistent course that speaks no harsh or bitter words to discourage the soul, and by integrity that will not turn aside to gain advantage for self or to please any person against the truth of Christ.Lt 35, 1898, par. 20–21+2 Making the path straight includes removing all disunion, grudges, and supposed wrongs through direct humble reconciliation at the beginning of camp-meeting, since weak believers are stumbled by unresolved variance, bitterness, pride, and hasty harsh words left to corrode and break out again.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9 Being healed means no wound left unattended, all rubbish of disunion cleared from the King's highway, old wounds closed by confession instead of self-vindication, and mind, spirit, and soul healed by grace so that preaching becomes tenfold more precious, in obedience to truth, justice, and the conviction of the Spirit.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9 Constant dependence on the sufficiency of Christ gives personal experience that He is all-sufficient, faithful and powerful, with inward witness and actual knowledge of sufficient grace and of God's faithfulness not to allow temptation beyond ability, resulting in strengthened hands and knees and straight paths that heal lameness, and God heals the spiritual infirmities of all who sincerely strive to obey Him at any cost.Lt 39, 1903, par. 19+1

The instruction so the lame are not turned aside is connected with studying Ezekiel 33 and 34 carefully and applying their message to those living in the last days.Ms 112, 1904, par. 5 Walking in straight paths means taking the Word of God into all planning and decisions and following it, with feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.17MR 228.3+1 It means using the Bible as counselor and guide and walking in its light and principles, with the law's precepts clearly lighting the way toward the gates of the New Jerusalem.Lt 177, 1901, par. 9–11+1 It refuses to supersede God's revealed will with the speculations, opinions, theories and plans of finite men, refuses to trust finite wisdom, and lets God manage His own work, while plans based on human wisdom and opposed to that Word distort His work.17MR 228.3+1 Those who choose their own way stumble in darkness and may accuse and hate the people whose faithful course points them toward the right path.Lt 16, 1897, par. 6–7

Israel's long departure from the right way came from generation after generation refusing to make straight paths for their feet, and this continued rebellion led most of the people to follow the powers of darkness.PK 133.2 Israel was to make a straight path through faithful obedience to God's law, and had the people remained true to principle and performed duty faithfully their conduct would have shown the nations that their religion was wise and ennobling, so that idolaters would have been convicted and might have joined them.Lt 34, 1899, par. 34–38 The straight faithful course is made by refusing to admit as error what is not error, by going straight forward looking to Jesus as author and finisher of faith, and by cultivating mercy and compassion for those whose perceptions are clouded and whose work God cannot endorse.Lt 191, 1902, par. 9 It is made by obeying what God says irrespective of consequences and the commands of men, establishing the fear of God in the home and helping one another, following the example of Paul and Silas who sang praises in prison with feet in stocks, with the God who wrought for them living today to be with those who do this and give them victory.Ms 26, 1894, par. 22–24 Christ's wholehearted devotion to God and His saving work is the example for following such a straight faithful course so that the weak or wavering are not led away but helped toward healing.Lt 27, 1892, par. 19–22

Making straight rather than crooked paths requires coming very close to God by carrying Christ's spirit and teachings into everyday life, looking critically at self and comparing character with the only standard of righteousness, lest through want of faith and intelligent knowledge of Scripture the lame be turned out of the way instead of healed.Ms 4, 1885, par. 1 Making Scripture the rule of life means searching it diligently and living out its principles every day, which is the only true higher education, keeps close connection with Christ, helps others show the power of His grace in keeping His commandments, and keeps a right example always in view since turning from the narrow way to eternal life draws others into false paths while walking steadily in it leads many into safe paths, allowing no mistake in steps and guarding influence with great care.Ms 27, 1886, par. 14–16 Amid moral darkness living uprightly in clear distinct lines of faith and works while light is given means gathering every distinct ray of light substantiating truth and bearing aloft the banner for the last days, the third angel's message, setting the churches in order and closing the door of unbelief, urgent because Satan's seducing power will increase until if possible even the very elect would be deceived, so every soul must take the warnings, lest failure turn the weak out of the way instead of healing them.14MR 222.2

The verse is one of the very highest incentives to form characters God can approve, showing rich grace in store so no one need be hopeless or sink into discouragement while Christ is presented in all His fullness to those in darkness of error, calling laborers together with God to make straight paths so what is lame will not be turned out but healed.Lt 56, 1902, par. 23–25 Truth of God's Word and the light He gives are meant to help the spiritually weak, and conduct must be a straight path and the work carried out to support not obstruct them, so they are not led away or turned aside but helped and healed.Ms 43c, 1901, par. 15–16+1 Constant dependence on Christ's sufficiency gives personal experience that He is all-sufficient, faithful and powerful, with inward witness and actual knowledge of sufficient grace and of God's faithfulness not to allow temptation beyond ability, resulting in strengthened hands and knees and straight paths healing lameness, together with pursuing peace with all and holiness without which no one will see the Lord and watching lest any fall short of grace or let a bitter root grow to trouble and defile many.Ms 53, 1905, par. 33–34 Staying on the right way without deviating is obeyed by praying much, holding firmly to divine power, seeking blessings for fellow men as well as self, and keeping eyes with clear sanctified vision fixed on Jesus and walking by faith, which keeps from stumbling and falling, for beholding Jesus changes into the divine likeness, since influence for good or evil is powerful and wrongdoing can lead weaker lame souls astray.Ms 35, 1908, par. 21+1

The straight course is made by relying on Christ rather than self and following His perfect example, pressing forward and upward in humble meek walk with Christ within, learning meekness and lowliness in His school, looking to Jesus in temptation, refusing aroused feelings over seeming injustice, moving cautiously, refusing to doubt, fail or be discouraged under sore pressure from the prince of darkness, and trusting Jesus as personal Saviour and living Advocate who draws from the precipice to solid ground with immeasurable love, pressing steadily toward the high calling in Christ Jesus so the lame are not turned out.Lt 61, 1906, par. 3–6+1 In hardship and discouragement the way forward is to look to Jesus and keep doing the work rather than letting obstacles turn one aside, keeping a clear upright course, watching self and following Christ's pattern while the Holy Spirit shapes in meekness and humility, helping one another by a straight faithful course so the weak are helped toward healing.Lt 228, 1901, par. 1+2 God's workers must keep eyes on Jesus, be changed in character by looking to Him, and make God their strength so paths are straight, for when workers fall into sin and follow crooked paths they cannot lead sin-degraded people into new life, while being joined to Christ and growing in His likeness enables helping others, preparing now for the kingdom through sacred obedience.Lt 61, 1906, par. 3–6+1

Helping others is done by walking straight forward in duty with integrity that will not turn aside for self-advantage or to please any human against Christ's truth, fixing mind on heavenly things and seeing the King in His beauty who gave His life, lifting weak hands and feeble knees so the lame are healed, following peace with all and holiness, looking diligently lest any fail of grace or root of bitterness defile many, for God heals spiritual infirmities of all who sincerely strive to obey at any cost.Lt 39, 1903, par. 19 One who fears God and practices His Word with unwavering integrity makes a straight course helping the weak not to be turned aside but healed, choosing a faithful righteous course God delights to work with, and being guided by Christ makes conduct consistent in small and large duties creating a straight path keeping the spiritually weak from straying.Lt 116, 1905, par. 5–7+2 Making straight paths means moving carefully and refusing steps in the downward road, acting with care and seeking the Lord as never before so unwise moves do not injure self or lay stumbling-blocks giving others excuse for selfishness and hardheartedness or temptation to neglect their field, for laying stumbling-blocks is the enemy's skillful work.17MR 129.1–2+2 When perplexed one should wait for God's help and clear light rather than act in the dark or yield to impressions, looking to Jesus instead of despondency and distrust, keeping the record unspoiled and doing assigned work in harmony with brethren, in a straight steady course avoiding spiritual danger and confusion so weak wavering believers are protected and may be healed.5T 572.2+2

The one safe course is to make conduct straight so the weak are not turned aside, living in harmony with the Holy Spirit, letting sound doctrine come into actual contact with souls to produce sound practice, not neglecting plain duty, appreciating and obeying sufficient light God gives to perform right actions and feeling its sanctifying power in life and character and not merely believing truth, lest by neglected light one be left as Chorazin and Bethsaida of old.Lt 33a, 1888, par. 17–18+2 Accepting God's counsel and teachings makes a straight path and gives light through darkness and discouragement, for God reveals sins so they are seen in divine truth's light to be renounced forever, His warnings showing His love and desire to save.Ms 113, 1906, par. 4+1 Leaving God and Christ out and letting inherited or cultivated traits and tendencies guide conduct and work makes the path crooked and can turn the weak struggling away, while straight paths are made by dependence on God and acting in line with His light, principles, purity and holiness, yielding to His care and working with Him and consecration and reliance, so others are not led astray.Ms 43d, 1901, par. 21+4 Christ divine and human is the steppingstone to vantage ground with God, and those who receive Him, take His Word and practice it are changed by God's holy character unto eternal life, a cost that forbids accepting crooked paths harming others.Ms 43d, 1901, par. 21+1

Keeping the path straight individually so the lame are not turned out means having self hid in Christ, being humble as a little child, keeping the eye single to God's glory, listening only to the true Shepherd's voice, watching and praying, examining self, hearing and practicing God's Word and depending humbly on divine help, urgent because Satan has bribes for every soul, sees every weak point, counsels entangling actions and feeds desire for power from ignorance of weakness, else deceiving into wrong moves and self-devised plans that seem right but are walking in sparks of own kindling as helpless prey of darkness.Lt 55, 1891, par. 12–15+1 Making straight paths requires choosing company with those who walk with God and believe and trust Him rather than with those following supposed wisdom, for walking in humility is the only safe course for those who long resisted piled evidence and shut themselves with doubters and rejecters, against another coming crisis testing again the points failed where it will be hard to receive what is from God and refuse what is from darkness.14MR 110.1+1 Those who love and fear God can face many cares without turning, kept by grace and Christ's help where duty places them.CH 454.1 Making straight paths means determining to walk in obedience for oneself in God's counsel in truth and righteousness, standing under the broad shield of Omnipotence, revealing Jehovah's characteristics with character molded after the divine similitude under Him as Head over all, for turning aside forfeits His delighted cooperation, while crooked paths turn the lame out by leading astray and keeping thousands from present truth, and following another's crooked path both strays self and makes it plainer for another.YGBCOEP 36.4+1

Making straight work for eternity means cleansing every idol, blot and hidden thing from the soul temple to grow to full stature in Christ, heaven being worth everything, by fixing eyes on Jesus Author and Finisher of faith and pressing toward the prize of the high calling, stepping over God's marked line into implicit obedience as the only safe path close to the Redeemer, grasping by faith infinite power in complete surrender to Jesus as purchaser with reason undimmed, affections unwithheld and virtue untarnished, to stand purified refined ennobled sanctified through truth discerning sacred from common and walking steadily as an overcomer with title through His righteousness to immortal inheritance.20MR 283.4+1 Keeping feet in straight paths means never slipping again on past defeat but remembering past experience so as not to fail on the same point, letting failures become lessons turning failures into victories, in advancing God's cause, diffusing received light and rejoicing to walk in Christ's footsteps even hampered by lack of means.Lt 37, 1898, par. 13–15 Straight faithful conduct and work require watching and praying at every step amid confusing entangling influences, adorning profession with honest conduct and cherishing the Holy Spirit's grace without which workers become hindrances blocking God's work and harming truth, remembering pilgrim stranger identity needing deeper knowledge while a vigilant foe watches, so weak ones are restored not turned aside.Lt 48a, 1908, par. 7–9+1 It means asking forgiveness for impatient words and seeming wrongs, controlling one's spirit, keeping the heart in God's love fully consecrated with self under the Spirit's control to meet perils aright, brought into harmony with heaven to be in harmony with brethren and at peace.Lt 5, 1880, par. 21–22

Making the way straight so the weak are restored not turned aside requires strength support and grace with careful conduct, living the truth, genuine faith working by love purifying the soul and walking humbly with God, since stumbling into unbelief leads away from truth, applied to careful humble obedience to His commandments amid increasing light on the law.Lt 48, 1894, par. 13–14+1 Care in living, stepping, speaking and acting daily to honor God and help rather than hinder keeps the weak from turning aside, supports growth in the divine nature and victory over sin, requiring walking carefully and uprightly with integrity apart from worldly schemes lest conduct make crooked paths, and keeping conduct straight consistent in obedience because wavering can lead the lame away instead of toward healing.RH Apr 27, 1905+2 Straight paths are made by submitting to Christ's authority, consulting His will, obeying His Word and making His life the pattern rather than own plans and worldly practices, keeping to God's marked path rather than straying to lead the inexperienced astray and bearing responsibility for harm, and those out of the way acting unrighteously must turn with contrition else they will not see Jesus as He is or become like Him.Lt 7, 1897, par. 1+2

Making straight paths is laborers together with God in Christ's lines using mental powers to make those within influence wiser and better, doing God's will in unselfish self-sacrificing labor to build up His cause, becoming spiritually strong through obedience to help halting easily-stumbled lame ones instead of themselves halting needing to be carried, following a straight course in doing God's will so unchristian conduct does not stumble them.Lt 47, 1893, par. 14+2 It is patient humble restoring not tearing down, helping the ready to die and seeking unconverted church members with perseverance, home mission work, wise improvement of talents and skill by practice in blessing and saving souls through prayer and humble effort, forbidding tearing the church, hurling thunderbolts, denouncing accusing condemning, helping Satan reproach Christ's kingdom and slipping into Satan's lines.Ms 21, 1893, par. 25–26+1 Living and teaching truth and bearing soul-burden for caring souls and showing truth is part of sanctification, making a straight path so the weak wavering are helped toward healing.Ms 139, 1906, par. 33–36 Putting away selfishness, self-exaltation, pride, being puffed up by success and self-exalting criticism, and submitting to the Spirit's guidance whatever the intelligence or zeal, makes conduct straight, for spiritual pride evidences spiritual death and cripples experience so such seldom make straight paths, contaminating graced mind-qualities and tarnishing victories by self-glory through common unnoticed little sins scattering sure harvest for Satan, calling instead for humble prayerful Christlikeness, meek lowly duty over selfish impulse, and living for neighbor's good as a nearby blessing supporting soul-saving.Ms 155, 1904, par. 81–82+4

Following truth in this solemn time when long-knowing professors are confused by leaders in false paths requires straightforward work and advance movements with living connection with Christ revealed by works and faith substantiated by obedience, taking a clear right course, standing firmly where God requires by Christlike love and spiritual life so the weak are helped toward healing not abandoned.Lt 214, 1906, par. 1+4 Consecration means a steady purposeful course guided by high aims and reliance on grace preventing others being led astray and supporting recovery in right, with conduct shaped by wise words and right actions trusting grace, following Christ's steps and earning fellow believers' confidence so words and teaching have saving influence.Lt 17, 1883, par. 9–12+1 Living as Jesus would live and behaving as He would have one behave means living victoriously mastering experience, weaving brightness joy hopefulness into daily life whatever circumstances, living to please God giving evidence of genuine Christianity, obeying just where providence placed making the best of surroundings and fighting life's battles there winning victories instead of defeat and flight, forbidding a course weaning a wife's affections away, writing a heavenly book record to meet in judgment.Lt 29, 1884, par. 5–8

Keeping a straight course in duty by God's help means preserving consecration through earnest effort, working in fear of God where truth has not been preached rather than on personal interests, guarding weak character points so God's cause does not suffer by weakness and indiscretion, bringing sustaining power, while leaving it wastes time and turns weak ones aside.Lt 53, 1876, par. 65–68 As God's husbandry and building there must be continual advancement step by step in straight paths lest the lame be turned out, working intelligently to supply deficiencies, glorifying God by standing and working in the Sun of Righteousness' light, perfecting saints, edifying Christ's body, coming to unity of faith, carrying the church forward upward heavenward distinct from the world.STMW11 619.1+1 Men in trust must be considerate and take Christ as Companion for counsel to guide in plain paths lest the lame be turned out, first willing to be controlled by God and submit to His way rather than seeking to control others needing direction, drinking largely of the Spirit to overcome pettishness and put away harsh speech or action.Lt 46, 1902, par. 7–8 Religion includes diligently seeking the Lord's way and walking it with firm unwavering steps making the path straight, with purity of heart and life and departure from iniquity.Ms 14, 1888, par. 10–11

The verse commands those enlisted in the Lord's army to make straight paths and stay out of paths not cast up, by-paths and forbidden paths, since Satan works intensely through manifold temptations to lead every soul into wrong paths, while obedience protects the lame so they are healed, requiring being doers of Christ's words spoken through nature, the sowing of seed and harvest, carefully contemplated to be wise about eternal interests in God's kingdom.Lt 82, 1893, par. 2 Making straight paths means walking with moral firmness not tottering swaying steps from feeble principle without excuse, following the straight narrow path with firm steps eye fixed on the Sun of Righteousness, holding an elevated standard and living a spotless self-denying life bearing Christ's patience and tender sympathy for youth and the disadvantaged, to draw perishing souls and the lame across the gulf to lay sin at the cross and be healed, since failure misrepresents truth's sacred heaven-born perfect character, requiring those in God's institutions to put off the old man with imperfect traits and put on the new man Jesus Christ to be complete in Him.Lt 148, 1899, par. 11–13

Continuing in lustful unclean practices while professing to believe truth makes crooked paths, for when sin is no longer discerned as sinful the conscience is defiled and the heart corrupted, and those so deceived counterwork God, are false in His sight, and are used as decoys to lure souls into defiling practices instead of abandoning the sinful course so the lame are healed rather than turned out.19MR 177.1–2+1 Violating right motive and right principle makes crooked paths that prepare the soul for scheming and dishonesty, which God hates and which injure His cause, while healing for lame backsliders comes only by receiving Christ and being converted, for He died to take away sins not to save in sins.Lt 41, 1898, par. 20–21 Criticism, faultfinding, harsh bitter words, spreading false grievances and distrust, judging, disrespect and divisive talk, telling lack of confidence, sowing evil in weak minds, manufacturing grievances, demanding special consideration, and making others suspicious so they think evil and accuse are forbidden as crooked paths.Lt 97, 1896, par. 12–15+4

Such talk discourages and confirms others in wrongdoing, plants bitterness, breaks the trembling soul's hold on God, destroys confidence and peace, puts others on a track where they cannot be at peace with brethren, sells the birthright for human sympathy and praise from those who cannot see the heart, and must be accounted for at the final reckoning.Lt 97, 1896, par. 12–15+4 Watching for evil, seeing words and actions in the worst light, misconstruing them, talking suppositions, and confessing a brother's defections must stop, for none is made a sin-bearer; instead each must search his own heart, confess his own sins, humble self before God, draw nigh to God, enthrone Christ within, deny self, work harmoniously as one family with mercy and compassion, and leave brethren in God's hands so the lame are healed.Ms 39, 1896, par. 30–31 Deceptive lives marked by hiding wrongs, evasions and lies turn the weak away and stunt growth, calling for integrity and a straight course, and conduct that has betrayed trust and dishonored the cause, including alliance with worldly and satanic influences, must be corrected to make crooked paths straight.Lt 52a, 1874, par. 3+1

A crooked course of disobedience holds to self-confidence and selfish motives, refuses God's marked path, claims circumstances alter cases, and yields to worldly principles when tempted, while stubbornness, impatience, accusing others and retaliation make the path crooked and endanger the soul with turning from God.Lt 216, 1897, par. 14–16+1 Those exalted to high trust who make such paths become an offense to God and are held responsible for the mistakes of inexperienced followers who follow experienced professors supposing their judgment wise and are thereby led astray.14MR 155.2–4 Continuing in self-seeking ambition makes crooked paths bringing confusion and a fall from the highest sought place to the lowest, by grasping higher ladder rounds without climbing from the bottom, with plans in flattering light ending in failure because body, soul and spirit are not committed to God and a bewitching desire for greatness replaces self-denying purpose and solid wisdom.Lt 13, 1902, par. 14–15

Making crooked paths through selfish control, including following own plans in business and investments without counsel, turns the already weak away, and such presumptuous choices can lead to ruin and need decisive change.Ms 30, 1900, par. 7–10+1 Resisting light and evidence, refusing the Holy Spirit when proffered, refusing to honor God, to cultivate love for heavenly things and to behold Jesus so His likeness is reflected in grateful praise, makes men walk as blind stumbling men who know not what they stumble at, while sharp critical censorious conduct and neglect of faith and pity also turn others away instead of healing.17MR 174.3–175.1+1 Taking a wrong position about the Holy Spirit's work and resisting His first moving on the heart by reasoning it away with supposed discernment and satanic philosophy loses sanctifying influence, fails to make straight paths and endangers guided souls, for a crooked example of doubting the Spirit turns weak souls out instead of healing, which is especially serious for one whose words others rely on.6MR 199.5–200.1+2

Keeping a careful straight course of truth, holiness and safety requires daily living connection with God and earnest watching and prayer, because deceptions come as messages claimed as advanced new light mingling truth with human inventions and teaching human commands as doctrine, forming paths lying so close to truth as scarcely distinguishable and diverging imperceptibly until widely divergent from holiness, discernible only by the eye of faith to protect the vulnerable.Lt 37, 1894, par. 22–23+2 Turning the weak from a safe straight course through deceptive teaching makes misleaders accountable, for they set at naught life-eternal words for deceptions of the father of lies; refusing to walk in given light and starting on a wrong track of new original faith makes one a stumbling-block and blind leader increasing confusion, and crooked paths made by those who once upheld truth can lead the weak astray.9T 266.1+3 Criticizing God's messengers and message, spreading unbelief, and refusing self-denial and service fails to make straight paths and turns weak souls aside, and opposing and ridiculing God's sent messages makes crooked paths, as does a trifling sarcastic critical spirit with unbelief, prejudice, lightness and foolish talk acting as contagious leaven so many never again see the Lord's way clearly.Ms 40, 1891, par. 37–39+2

A crooked course and false testimony that leads those convicted of truth away from investigating it into error must be made straight so the led astray may be restored, and abandoning skepticism and misleading teaching, ceasing to plant such ideas, returning to Christ and being healed turns conduct into the right path.Lt 33, 1899, par. 6–7+1 Professed followers make crooked paths by choices opposing received light and must repent and be converted before resistance hardens toward apostasy so the led astray may be healed, while souls out of the way enter the straight path by thankfully gathering refused rays of reform and conversion onto the true foundation, and refusing instruction and resisting more light leaves them never seeing clearly.STB 355.2–356.2+1 Sexual impropriety makes crooked paths, including improper attentions to young women, overly intimate sympathy between married persons outside marriage, commonness, familiarity, lovesick sentimentalism and unbecoming freedom such as a married man conversing with another woman on subjects belonging only to his wife, and undue familiarity between married men and women.Lt 17, 1891, par. 7–9+4

Such imprudent suspicious conduct when many eyes are watching injures the cause, opens temptation, brings God's frown, demoralizes youth, disqualifies workers from mission work, discourages weak staggering husbands back to old habits, and requires thorough reformation with every word and act watched by God and with a straight prudent walk governed by good judgment rather than self-trust.17MR 153.2+4 Ministers who indulge wrong eating and drinking make crooked paths that turn weak believers away and weaken their message, so gospel preachers must live temperately in eating, drinking, dress and habits rather than in self-indulgent worldly show lest perception of truth weaken.CH 621.3+3 Engaging in cider manufacture while undermining temperance makes the path crooked so the already weak may stumble and be lost, whereas believers should live to keep others from stumbling and help them recover.5T 355.1–3

Straight paths require honest unselfish business with no crooked step, clearing away dishonest habits, speculating for gain, dealing with dishonest associates, spending unjustly obtained money, untrue representations, adulterating health foods with cheaper harmful materials as pure, using manufacturing knowledge for selfish profit or betrayal, defrauding the cause, fraudulent careless dealing, ambition blurring right and wrong, debt, uncertain financial enterprises and absorbing means not in hand, for business connected with God's cause must be true, pure and clear so easily turned-aside weak ones are not led into long evil.Lt 94, 1902, par. 3–5+3 Misusing knowledge of manufacturing health foods for selfish use, betrayal of trust and public disclosure, especially withholding it from unbelievers disregarding health reform who would market impure articles as health foods, must be refused, and protecting the vulnerable from misleading harmful health foods by not giving information to misusers keeps weak believers from being turned out and reproach from the cause.7T 130.2+3

Failure to make straight paths includes absorbing plans for expansion of restaurants and food stores that lead from the right course into snares leading many astray, as charged against Dr. Kellogg, while making straight paths requires decided reformation refusing commercial enterprises unless the Lord lays the burden, restraining inclinations from teaching the Word, and studying and teaching Bible truth to perishing souls under the Spirit.Lt 188, 1905, par. 22+1 Crooked paths include careless haphazard prayers, with those in responsibility to remember dependence on God before the world, angels and men, and careless brilliant people who grasp ideas without weighing or wisely applying them can lead admirers astray.Ms 51, 1901, par. 2+1 Self-control makes a straight path for faithful living, while carelessness, self-seeking, self-indulgence, self-esteem and impatience lead into sin, turn the weak away, dishonor God and weaken heaven's connection, so self-centered actions and distorted ideas confusing an institution and harming others must be corrected and abandoned.Lt 156, 1901, par. 25–28+1

The verse is God's command and those refusing to heed shall be cut off, and obeying means not walking in self-sufficiency, not choosing a fallible fellow as criterion, not making flesh an arm, not clasping hands with the unrepentant in error, not upholding men of wrong influence, calling things by right name and ceasing from misleading man.Ms 1, 1905, par. 5–10 One who united with opposition, drew away and made crooked paths while claiming to be a paragon must make straight work by fully seeing and confessing the past wrong course, coming out clean, being convinced of error, finding position and standing firmly in union with present truth before being trusted as treasurer, elder or leader, otherwise remaining unsafe and drawing others to wound the cause, but sincere repentance sends sins beforehand to judgment to be blotted out in refreshing from the Lord's presence.Lt 5, 1862, par. 6–7+1 The warning was applied to a damaging theorist not making straight paths and needing change with diminishing hope, to Office crookedness under a captain where a worker should have relied less on self and trusted brethren though not those then making crooked paths, and to two workers, Paulson and Sadler, told they had not made straight paths and urged to follow the Speaker.Lt 94, 1901, par. 2+3

A person's conduct can make crooked paths for others in business, religious matters and children's example, so every step in the work should be carefully considered, a tempted person must make conduct straight for others' sake, and a stumbling person such as Brother Lay in blind stumbling conduct must straighten lest the weak be led away rather than healed.Lt 91, 1895, par. 11+3 Making strange paths and influencing others to follow them conflicts with duty, so believers must not follow or create a crooked path leading from right, must follow Christ and heed His counsel rather than honoring one whose course rejects God's word, and must show reform through actions rather than remaining out of the light.Lt 181, 1903, par. 3–4+2 When those who should share burdens act discouragingly and make crooked or strange paths, the matter is to be entrusted to God, drawing close to Jesus, doing right and leaving results to Him.Lt 333, 1904, par. 3

Crookedness when members need deeper grace need not continue, for God sends warnings to keep followers on the royal road of self-denial above the world, and God receives those who heed reproof and change so false paths do not turn the lame out but the course is corrected to healing.Lt 58, 1901, par. 27+1 The verse calls for a straight peaceable way that bridles anger, avoids words that stir up strife, and answers provocation with silence rather than retaliation, so the weak are not turned aside but healed.Lt 117, 1899, par. 21–23 Each person has an open case with God to be settled individually in a solemn time of opposition from principalities and powers and rulers of darkness, by seeking earnestly for God's glory and His cause and putting away everything offensive to Him, since God is in earnest and jealous, cannot look upon iniquity or let it pass without exposure, so hidden falsehood, dissembling and dishonesty like Achan's must be corrected and put away rather than covered over.Ms 13, 1894, par. 6–9

Healing the lame comes by working in Christ's lines to sustain the tempted in the hour of temptation, uplifting them with sympathy, good and encouraging words, comfort and love from a heart softened by Christ, with earnest desire to restore them, bearing one another's burdens with mutual forbearance and helpfulness in kindness, tenderness and courtesy, relieving the poor, visiting the sick, comforting the sorrowing and bereaved, counseling the inexperienced, making the fainthearted more hopeful, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice, praying with and for them for divine strength beginning in the family with poor souls needing help, and leading brethren toward hope, courage and helpfulness rather than denying them advantages for rejecting another's plans.2MR 272.1–273.2+4 It forbids bruising and hurting souls by criticism, judging, harsh, bitter and denunciatory words, neglect, misjudging, condemnation, and a selfish overbearing spirit that severs friends and discourages those passing through trials, for a struggler's own responsibility remains yet others' failures can become great temptation contributing to spiritual darkness.2MR 272.1–273.2+2 Such helpfulness protects the lame, fainting, discouraged, weak and wavering from being turned aside so conduct and influence keep them on the right path toward healing and restoration, and at the same time helps the helper and opens a new chapter in experience as loving God supremely and using God-given abilities blesses others and draws them to Jesus.2MR 272.1–273.2+2

Christians must make straight paths by giving sympathy, comfort and strong help to souls gone out of the way, wounded and bruised by the enemy and longing for help, so that instead of being turned out they are healed and led to put trust in Jesus.ST Sep 10, 1902+1 It forbids putting oneself on the judgment seat to judge a fallen brother or sister in error, and calls everyone naming Christ's name to help every other soul in the heavenward way.ST Sep 10, 1902 Heaven watches treatment of the needy as the test whether divine love burns in the heart, and Christ records such help as done for Himself because He has identified Himself with suffering humanity.ST Sep 10, 1902

Love does not prevent but requires dealing plainly in kindness about wrongs and shortcomings when necessary in harmony with Christ's directions, for crooked steps turn lame believers out of the path.15MR 156.2+2 For a leader in responsible position this means serving God with mind, might and strength by decided opposition to wrong and refusal to endorse wrongdoing in any case, speaking plainly and protesting wrong principles in board and council meetings rather than holding peace, giving only general teaching, or offering so feeble a protest that wrongdoers think they have sanction, because silence strengthens hands in evil work and allows wrong principles to take form in wrong practice.Lt 58, 1894, par. 1–5 The lame are those influenced by such example and decisions, and failure to take a sharp, clear stand for right, justice, tenderness, mercy and strict integrity turns them out instead of protecting them.Lt 58, 1894, par. 1–5 Approaching one believed in error directly with tenderness and Christ's spirit in talk and prayer can clear misunderstanding and restore hope and courage.Ms 50, 1904, par. 4–5

Correcting one's own conduct and dealing with a brother's error directly and kindly rather than spreading complaints to others follows Christ's directions and avoids causing weaker members to stumble or turn away, aiming to heal them and protect the church's spiritual life.RH Jan 19, 1905 When a brother takes crooked steps, wrongs should be pointed out plainly only when needed with brotherly kindness and meekness so he is restored rather than condemned or discouraged, and those themselves connected with God may so speak when the weak are endangered.15MR 156.2+2 Making a straight path includes earnest counsel to help a struggling person stand firm in God as support rather than denunciation or condemnation.8T 175.3–4 It includes using daily opportunities to speak in ways awakening others' concern for salvation and watching over souls with accountability to God in a straight faithful course that will not turn the weak or faltering away but help them be restored.8T 175.3–4+1

Removing every stumbling-block requires thorough humble work meeting the mind of the Spirit of God, with humiliation, contrition and repentance instead of self-justification, self-pleasing and self-vindication, to redeem the past and become living fruit-bearing branches.Lt 66, 1884, par. 17–19+1 It is not too late for wrongs to be righted, but those addressed must not feel whole with no need of a physician, for they need help; when they come to Jesus with a broken heart He will help and bless them so that which is lame is healed rather than turned out, and they go forth in the Master's work with courage and energy, bearing fruit as best evidence of union with Christ.Lt 66, 1884, par. 17–19 Making conduct and course clear and straight so the spiritually weak are not led farther astray but restored applies to thorough confession, humility, watchfulness, prayer and accepting correction so the confused and wavering are strengthened rather than turned away.Lt 3, 1853, par. 16–18 It requires humbling the heart before God and drawing near to Him so He will draw near and work in and by and through the believer to the glory of His name, refusing to weave self into the web lest the pattern be spoiled, given in love with hope and good courage in the Lord with God's help.Lt 101, 1902, par. 7–9+1

Seeing one's course has not been right requires turning from it to be closely connected with God, correcting position and attitude that kept others from receiving God's light and believed message by making a straight path and taking up stumbling-blocks placed before unbelieving minds, so those weak, inefficient in faith and might be turned aside are rather healed of weakness and inefficiency.3MR 198.1–2+1 Correcting course through right action, here by confessing a wrongful accusation and clearing conscience, makes a straight path so the spiritually weak are not led away but may be healed.Lt 73, 1890, par. 8 Correcting the course of actions and making a matter right prevents a weak or vulnerable person being led further astray or hurt.Lt 3, 1905, par. 17–18 No one can make a straight path forward while leaving past wrongs unaddressed, as Brother Rhodes had to confess and remove wrongs behind him before moving in God's wisdom.Ms 1, 1853, par. 9–10

Those who caused a weak fellow believer to stumble must do the neglected work of clearing obstacles from his way so the lame one is not turned aside but healed and enabled to walk straight.Lt 50, 1889, par. 29 Each person, especially those in trust, must follow a straight careful course so the weak or led astray are not turned farther but can be healed, and one who repents must not treat past wrongdoing as trivial, for the wrong course may lead others into false paths and forgiveness does not erase its influence on those who may never repent.Ms 4, 1904, par. 4–8 Those who misled others should help them find the right way and warn of danger, for imperfections and failures among responsible people can dishonor God and cause souls to be lost.Ms 4, 1904, par. 4–8 Those rightly holding truth should walk in the gospel of peace and avoid false paths that could lead the weak or struggling away, their conduct helping them remain and be healed.Ms 83, 1903, par. 30 Making straight paths means presenting truth faithfully without forcing acceptance, building up souls in most holy faith instead of scattering them, with clear instruction marking the straight path and protecting from false paths.Ms 43, 1901, par. 36+2 Perverting God-given capabilities by words and works, drawing back from self-denial and self-sacrifice, finding fault with God's sent messages of mercy, complaining and accusing brethren, is finding fault with God and His Word, harming messengers and message, failing to gather with Christ and to advance God's work and cause.Lt 8, 1898, par. 22–27

The verse calls those desiring help to arise and seek prayer and calls backsliders to return to truth, bringing freedom and softening and subduing of hearts by the Holy Spirit, restoration for the unhappy troubled in backsliding, and gratitude and blessing for those receiving light.Ms 27, 1885, par. 19–20 Leaving the straight safe course guided by God for one's own way is backsliding, as Edson had not made straight paths and his sin lay at his door, and God urges turning back for He wants to reclaim and can save, promising to heal backsliding.Lt 53, 1892, par. 4+1 Thorough conversion and repentance are needed among believers erring from Christ's principles as much as among those without knowledge of the Lord's way, for unless converted church members walking in Christ's footsteps make crooked paths and turn the lame out.RH Feb 5, 1901 The converted life is true religion exerting powerful influence, filled with love for God and man and earnest desire for salvation of perishing souls giving decided victories.RH Feb 5, 1901 Thorough conversion of heart is required before men and women can be safe advisers in publishing work, because outward success can leave some unconverted and end in loss of souls, while unconverted leadership opens the way for evils not now imagined; crooked paths by the unconsecrated, especially ministers with objectionable traits, lead the religiously deficient away, put truth in peril and weaken conviction, instead of helping others remain.Lt 160, 1909, par. 6+1

The verse requires making straight work for eternity by laying aside pride and vanity, coming back to the fold into God's favor, with repentance and confession rather than self-justification, for unconfessed unrepented sin remains while thorough repentance and confession open forgiveness and cleansing and help the astray be healed rather than continue in darkness.2T 296.1+1 Confession is according to God's Word only to proper persons who will take no advantage, not to those ignorant of the sin and not as published confession triumphing unbelievers, letting them pray so God accepts and heals, as a call to repent and do first works while the Shepherd waits to receive.2T 296.1 Repentant people must make the course straight so the weak or faltering are not led away but healed, and those who once hindered God's work and resisted warnings must turn decisively from evil ways to become witnesses for truth helping restore what they damaged and receiving mercy.RH Nov 3, 1904+1 People in responsible positions must make conduct right and straight, especially toward one acknowledging wrong, helping with mercy rather than harsh unforgiveness so the vulnerable are restored not driven farther, following Christ's principles, with past wrongs and stumbling-blocks cleared before continuing in responsibility or authority.Lt 6, 1901, par. 7–11+2 Confessing sins lets God's wisdom overrule mistakes for good for oneself and His people, gives the heavenly anointing, shows His hand leading rightly, and reveals how dangerous the Satan-controlled path was.RH Jun 3, 1902

Jesus as compassionate loving sin-pardoning Saviour and Healer of body and soul wants to help the sick and suffering and will receive believers if they believe and set life right by following Him in self-denial and cross-bearing, while rejecting Him loses everything.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 6–7 God may permit sorrowful experiences, sadness and calamity by fire, flood, whirlwind and storm, to make His people's path straight and keep the weak from turning aside, because He sees hidden dangers and greater perils they cannot see and desires to save them.YGBCOEP 5.3+2 He does not willingly grieve them, but as giver of blessings and orderer of experiences works through natural causes to call to close heart-examination, forsaking the unchecked way into peril, remembering He has not forgotten them in frail dust frame caring to numbered hairs, and drawing near so He may draw near, aiming at healing not ruin.STB 284.3+1 Recognizing God's dealings straightens the way forward, for obstacles do not mean abandoning work but pressing through difficulties and discouragements to help the weak stay on course and be restored.Lt 12, 1910, par. 17–18

Making straight paths so the lame are healed rather than turned out requires laying aside firm determined personal will merging it into God's will, walking humbly before God under the softening subduing Spirit and listening to brethren's counsel especially as God's great day nears, considering influence of words and actions on souls so God's cause is not imperiled.Lt 161, 1899, par. 4–5 It means humbling one's own heart before God rather than appealing to sympathies and dwelling on others' deeds or neglects, showing wisdom by correcting one's own course first and not sitting in judgment on others until done.Lt 17, 1891, par. 27–29 Clearing hindrances so weak church members are not driven away but recover requires direct peacemaking including confessing own fault and seeking forgiveness, removing bitterness at roots rather than poisoning others, for the lame magnify small offenses losing sight of goodness and grace.Ms 167, 1904, par. 12–15 Making the path straight involves confessing own sin not a brother's, humbling the heart, controlling the spirit, keeping the heart in God's love fully consecrated under the Spirit, clearing cherished hatred, discord, variance and anger blocking fellowship, and walking in self-sacrifice and self-surrender to come to God forgiven with offerings accepted.RH Apr 8, 1902+1 Doing this part clears the cloud of misunderstanding and gives a brother a straight unblocked path so softened and subdued he falls on the Rock broken and healed rather than turned aside, as humility, confession and removal of anger help make the straight path.RH Apr 8, 1902+1

Making straight paths for one's own feet means faithfully doing duty while showing generous sympathy to mistaken people in a straight upright course.Lt 86, 1895, par. 28–29 The verse urges a clear right course and accepting counsel to straighten it, with careful upright choices and conduct especially in important work, watchfulness and prayer, responsibility and God's glory in view, so the weak or vulnerable are not led away but helped toward healing.Lt 6, 1860, par. 16–17+2 Publishing only what reflects light piercing Satan's dark shadow, putting encouraging experiences of God's goodness and love in His dealings into church papers to strengthen and cheer, and keeping the warning truth before the people because the end is at hand, crying aloud and sparing not, makes straight paths so the lame are not turned out but some repent and are converted.Lt 106, 1902, par. 7 Instruction and warnings in books help recognize and avoid false paths, keeping a clear straight path so the weak or struggling are not diverted but restored and healed.Lt 229, 1903, par. 10–12 Making straight paths means representing Christ through love for others and willingness to sacrifice for their good in straight careful living and acting so the weak recover rather than are led away.Ms 154, 1904, par. 9–10

Influence is powerful for good or evil, and straying from the right way can lead weaker lame souls astray, so the verse is obeyed by praying much, holding firmly to divine power, seeking blessing for fellow men as well as self, keeping the eyes with clear sanctified vision fixed on Jesus, and walking by faith, which keeps from stumbling and falling, for beholding Jesus changes the beholder into the divine likeness.Ms 35, 1908, par. 21+1
Preparing for the heavenly kingdom includes preparing others, so those with greater privileges, precept-upon-precept training, long experience, and positions of responsibility bear heavy responsibility for those weak in moral power who never had such opportunity.Ms 96, 1902, par. 19+1
Many souls supposing they have light and faith are watching them, and many weak in moral courage, not firm, steadfast and courageous, incline to leave the right for false paths, so the influential must act as brother's keeper with the mind of Christ to restore rather than lead aside.Lt 4, 1898, par. 5
They must not trust own judgment as supreme nor gather so many burdens as to crowd out prayer and self-examination, but spend much time in prayer and communion with God and live uprightly, following God's Word as guide, lest failure turn others from the right path and bring responsibility for their spiritual loss.Ms 96, 1902, par. 19+3

Believers must walk steadily and keep conduct on a straight safe course because weaker people in faith and experience may follow example and words instead of looking to Jesus the source and goal of faith.Lt 397, 1906, par. 3+3
Careless words and defects of character can become stumbling-blocks that sow bitterness and suspicion and contribute to eternal loss, to be revealed when every case is brought to judgment.Ms 40, 1896, par. 11
One who leads them astray bears responsibility, and one who repents must not treat past wrong as trivial since influence remains after forgiveness upon those who may never repent, but should help the misled find the right way, warn of danger, and remember that imperfections and failures among responsible persons dishonor God and can lose souls.Ms 4, 1904, par. 4–8
Every soul naming Christ must keep conduct straight and upright by following Jesus' footsteps securely in meekness and lowliness of heart, never doing what conscience convicts as unseemly, for giving a wrong example leading another into crookedness is terrible and sows unto destruction, while a right example sows unto eternal life.Lt 89, 1894, par. 11–12+1
The duty is urgent because all will soon stand before Christ's judgment seat, where cases have already been decided when judgment sits and books are opened, each receiving according to deeds good or evil, so life should be crowded with all possible good works.Lt 89, 1894, par. 11–12+1

Making straight paths means treating those in churches, institutions for relief of the sick, houses of publication, and schools with mercy, justice, honesty, and sincere love hating evil and holding to good.Ms 101, 1894, par. 13
Doing this leaves one clear in judgment from the blood of souls, while neglecting to be merciful, just, and honest, a command greatly neglected, brings surprise at the life record in judgment and loss of any part in the kingdom.Ms 101, 1894, par. 13
A hurt soul is often a destroyed soul, so coldness, harshness, self-sufficiency, unkindness, unfeeling decisions, and words and looks of contempt that turn souls out of the way from Christ must be put away.Ms 143, 1899, par. 10–12+1
Instead the gentleness of Christ must be manifested with words of encouragement that heal bruised and wounded hearts and keep souls with Christ rather than driving them to death, for the lame are weak in experience and moral strength to be helped toward healing, and the responsible will meet those souls again around the great white throne.Ms 143, 1899, par. 10–12+1

God is grieved when vulnerable struggling members are injured and turned out by crooked paths made by others, and those who misrepresent Him will be chastised.Ms 52, 1901, par. 15–17+1
Nothing is so dear to Him as His church and nothing so offends Him as injury to those Christ died to save, for He has not forgotten the perils of His people or harm done by principles He cannot endorse, and His heart of love is grieved when weak lame believers are turned out.Ms 70, 1902, par. 23–26
The responsibility is made serious by Christ's sacrifice and blood, which must be seen to have done valuable work in lives lived rightly in the last days.Ms 43c, 1901, par. 8–9+1
Leaving God and Christ out of decisions and letting inherited or cultivated traits govern makes paths crooked and turns the weak away, a grave course given that cost, while walking uprightly in harmony with God's will, keeping sacred truth pure, refusing confederacy with unbelievers, worldly policy, self-trust and self-exaltation, and depending continually on God lets God delight to cooperate and sustain in sacred responsibility for one's own salvation and rescue of others from false ways, whereas mixing forbidden principles He cannot sustain.Lt 124, 1902, par. 1–6+1

God heals the spiritual infirmities of all who sincerely strive to obey at any cost, and making straight paths means walking straight forward in duty with integrity that will not turn aside for self-advantage or to please men against truth, fixing mind on heavenly things and the King in His beauty who gave His life, lifting weak hands and feeble knees, following peace with all and holiness without which none shall see the Lord, and watching lest any fail of grace or root of bitterness spring up to trouble and defile many.Lt 39, 1903, par. 19
It means choosing a right course to save one's own soul and not lead others into false ways, by taking hold of the Lord's strength rather than erring human strength, receiving wise counselors who reject what opposes God's will and abide by principles standing His test.YGBCOEP 35.1–2+1
Helping the lame, who are the halting unsteady in faith surrounding God's people, requires not halting with them but standing firm as a rock to principle like tried proven men.ST2 11.1+2
This upright course prepares many to receive the light of the angel lightening the earth with glory and to stand as clean honored vessels in the latter rain to receive God's glory, while lifting the soul to vanity, speaking perverse things, and secretly cherishing bitter division unlike Christ's spirit brings God's displeasure and unfitness.ST2 11.1+1

God's people must now strictly heed every word of Christ, meek lowly tenderhearted yet firm as rock to His teachings, holding abiding truth and placing no trust in lie or pretense that costs eternal life, for misleaders setting at naught life-eternal counsel for deceptions of the father of lies are accountable for turning the lame from safe paths.Ms 37a, 1909, par. 11–12
On occasions calling for firm stand, this means refusing human rule where man against man brings collision, taking the Lord as counselor rather than another's course as rule, following God's way by His messengers with special message, standing for God and conscience, and fearing God in believing and practicing His Word with high unbending integrity, so the easily turned aside are not turned out.20MR 346.5
It calls for advancing steadily on right lines with human wisdom joined to divine wisdom and mercy in diligent work toward gospel moral transformation, preparing Christ's satisfaction so the lame are not turned aside.Lt 39, 1901, par. 13
Valuing human life calls to reach a high standard and draw others upward by straight paths so the weak are not turned aside, using heaven-provided abilities and help to live rightly and by example help the weak find, keep, and grow on a sure foundation toward mature faith, including those newly brought into the church.Ms 46, 1901, par. 9+2

Keeping conduct honest, upright, straight and faithful amid last-days dangers supports loyalty to Christ and helps the weak toward healing rather than away from faith.Lt 90, 1906, par. 4+2
In perilous times faith, support, and grace are needed to avoid stumbling into unbelief, and a steady faithful course warns to seek wisdom and avoid spiritual danger, confusion, dishonor to God, and harm to another's faith.Lt 16g, 1892, par. 13–16+2
A crooked course can turn the spiritually weak aside, so the way is made straight by walking in the light and leading rightly, with greater light bringing greater responsibility to choose faithfulness.MYP 32.1–2
God's truth and light are meant to help such souls and must be carried out supportively rather than obstructively, so those who might stumble are healed rather than misled.MYP 32.1–2+2

Parents and children together must make straight paths by keeping the way of the Lord, from which there can be no sinless swerving and beside which every other way is forbidden.19MR 86.2–5 This requires no laxness in governing principles, bringing habits and practices into harmony with God's plans and training children according to His Word, with faith and works combined and everything in home and school life done decently and in order under the ten commandments as God's law for His household.19MR 86.2–5 The straight path is the fear of God and holiness to God pervading the home, which brings angels into the home circle and fills parents and children with holy joy, and it forbids allowing children to be cross and refractory because that dishonors God.19MR 86.2–5

Parents make straight paths by following where Christ leads and making their own course straight and upward in faith, shaped by God's Word from infancy through childhood and youth, so their example is safe for children to follow.Ms 60, 1894, par. 3+1 They do this by lovingly teaching children day by day to follow Christ and obey God, including through obedience to parents, and by faithfully directing the household to keep the Lord's way and do justice and judgment as Abraham did, thereby receiving blessing and becoming a blessing.Ms 57, 1900, par. 3+1 This includes practicing proper family discipline and molding character to the high standard of God's law with a sense of the solemnity of the time, learning industry and frugality and practicing economy in eating, drinking and dressing, and ordering family life by God's rules without laxness so the weak are not led out but healed, with the fear of God bringing holy joy.Ms 60, 1894, par. 3+1

A father must open the way he has blocked by his own disobedience, taking up the stumbling-block and making his own feet walk straight.Lt 72, 1893, par. 15 Straightening begins with confessing Christ and acknowledging Him as Saviour, clearing the way for himself and his children to obey God's commandments, for otherwise the lame who follow him, his children, will be turned out instead of healed.Lt 72, 1893, par. 15 When he breaks this new way of obedience his faith will be tried, so he must fix his mind upon Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith.Lt 72, 1893, par. 15

Parents should help inexperienced children keep the straight path of obedience with loving wise instruction and right example, so they are not turned aside to lose courage or interest but are helped to overcome and grow in Christian character.6T 93.3–94.2 This is done by forming good habits and character, directing lives rightly, and preparing them with moral strength, courage and purpose to resist temptation and face life's problems toward a life honoring God and blessing the world.MH 352.1–2 A mother makes a straight course through changing circumstances toward the heights, heaven and Christ only as she follows Christ's teachings herself to shape character after the divine pattern, guiding toward Christ and His example, instructing, guiding and restraining against fashion, custom and corrupting influences toward evil, to form an honorable useful life.ST Sep 29, 1881+2

Those raised under a different looser education must now walk in straight obedience by accepting order and discipline, being thankful for rules and guardians teaching the fear of the Lord, holding fast with moral stamina.Ms 175, 1897, par. 8–9 They must refuse to dwell on little strictness as too severe, to resist regulation, or to excuse small disobedience, since even a very little act of disobedience brought ruin to the world.Ms 175, 1897, par. 8–9 Believers must set a straight example and live faithfully so spiritually weak or tempted family members are not led away but healed, for helpers can aid the struggling only if serving God without wavering.Lt 109, 1899, par. 16–18 Husband and wife make a straight path by choosing right conduct as they form characters for eternal life and set wrongs right, and parents must guide children along a straight safe course and protect them from evil influences, since bad companions dull children's rejection of evil.Lt 38, 1907, par. 2+1

In a school dedicated to God conduct must make the way clear and safe so the weak are not diverted but healed, and improper speech and lawless behavior violate this duty and hinder others.Ms 82, 1897, par. 22 One student's conscientious regard for truth and duty can guide others in Christ's way, and one faithful to truth and duty by careful example can do much for Christ.8MR 282.2–283.1+1 Youth must avoid unsafe paths and guard principles, because choices and example can lead others toward destruction.Ms 20, 1895, par. 9–10

Teachers make straight paths by acting justly and carefully, making conduct a safe path, and harshly punishing minor heedless rule-breaking or unavoidable deviations not truly sinful is not straight and can turn the struggling aside.STE 186.4+1 Harsh inflexible treatment of careless faulty vulnerable students fails to make straight paths and risks driving them away, so teachers should instead deal justly to help them recover and be restored.Ms 51, 1893, par. 12–14 Teachers must also walk humbly with God and make a straight clear path by confessing sins and removing every stumbling-block of self-sufficiency, self-exaltation and imperfect example, refusing to ascribe to man God's honor and efficiency, so weak lame souls seeking Christianity are not led astray but find hope and assurance in union with divine agencies with no glory to man.Lt 183, 1899, par. 19–21

Followers are to lead the lame and weak onto the safe upward path Christ prepared rather than causing them to turn aside, with students cooperating with Christ to guide and strengthen one another, making their own way straight and helping make it straight for others as God gives knowledge, wisdom and fitness for fuller service.Ms 49, 1893, par. 15–19+1 God's workers must labor in unity, treat one another with kindness and respect, and avoid criticism or rivalry harming fellow workers, so the weak are not turned aside but healed.Ms 130, 1899, par. 25–27 This means living and working in straight orderly paths in unity, courtesy and love under God's direction, avoiding discord, unkind criticism and imposing own ideas, going straight forward in duty with softened character and only words that can be met without shame, true to conscience and God, in the plain path of peace where differing temperaments can walk side by side following the Captain of salvation without carrying evil traits and selfish habits or contending over trifles.RH Dec 11, 1900+1

The verse requires tender pitying love toward a fellow worker in need with compassion as Christ did, rather than leaving him unsupported or treating him severely.Lt 53, 1897, par. 12–15 Applied to ministers facing difficulty and those weak or under trial, it calls for a straight peaceable course of speaking gently and supporting rather than condemning, discouraging or hindering, so they are not pushed farther away but helped toward healing.RCOC 34.1–2+2 God's people should help weak struggling workers continue in service rather than cause stumbling, encouraging firmer hold on Christ and hopeful work unto healing, since none is wholly independent and helpers may later need help.STB 465.1–2

Those who guide the flock must make straight paths by restraining natural impulse, exercising self-control, and not turning aside when crossed or unappreciated, for any crooked path by a leader prepares the way for lame weak believers to be turned from safety instead of healed.GW92 438.1–439.1 Those in responsible places, especially ministers and their wives, must stand pure and holy with God's ways and will ruling and self dead, so influence is a savor of life and the lame are healed.Lt 66, 1893, par. 10–11 Carrying defects as a bramble rather than the True Vine makes crooked paths defiling the pasture, and elevating the standard requires purifying, uplifting and ennobling through earnest reproof and thorough straight testimony leaving no slipshod failure.Lt 66, 1893, par. 10–11

No one is to press personal opinions upon those God has instructed and no leader may exercise kingly power, but all are to make straight paths so the lame are healed rather than turned out.Lt 49, 1903, par. 8 Ministers must live with firm faith and consistent character making conduct a straight path, approaching people with Jesus' tenderness and love rather than controlling or driving them, not giving way to discouragement but uniting to do the Father's will.Lt 145, 1901, par. 10–12+2 Close connection with God gives power to awaken conscience and lead sinners to salvation, and those holding truth must live and speak straightly to support faith, proclaiming truth without turning the weak away.4T 400.2+3

Workers must watch and pray and follow a straight course in important work for God's glory with personal responsibility, trusting the Lord alone for success as beginning, author and finisher of faith.7T 238.3+1 Those who have wrestled and met trials are assured of His deep interest and help as they cooperate with Him, taking heed with eye single to His glory.Lt 107, 1902, par. 1 God's workers must carry work forward in straight lines by limiting work to best-understood parts, not taking the deciding voice in matters like financial planning needing other wise men, uniting in perfect unity with mutual respect, walking humbly dependent as a child, preserving mental, physical and spiritual strength without rushing, sacrificing rest or overtaxing nerves, and moving moderately and cautiously under misrepresentation, so weak workers are healed, armored by sanctified experience and succeeding through patient endurance following Christ.Ms 124, 1902, par. 11–16

Leaders bearing mighty responsibilities and all in office must make straight paths by leading in consecration and sanctification of the whole man, so words, spirit and influence represent truth, equity and righteousness through truth working by love purifying sentiments and conduct unto justice.Ms 233, 1902, par. 20–21 Their words, spirit and actions must testify to truth and not lead into wrong paths, for endorsing what the Lord condemns, choosing human devising and oppression greatly dishonors God, retards His work and turns the lame out instead of healing.Lt 77, 1910, par. 2+1 People entrusted with sacred service must live under daily converted guidance bearing Christ's fruit not selfishness, with words and actions strengthening the weak and tempted to recover, not creating suspicion, bitterness, alienation, complaining, judging, evil-speaking or stumbling-blocks that turn vulnerable souls aside, deepen unbelief and destroy recovery.Lt 97, 1896, par. 27–33+2

In the approaching crisis and judgment workers are to make conduct straight and support rather than weaken or harshly criticize one another.Ms 61, 1900, par. 20–21 This clear steady course forbids discouraging words and requires kind patient encouragement lifting the weak and strengthening faith, courage and hope with eternal realities in view, guiding conduct straight and strengthening the weak rather than discouraging them, for Christ restores the tempted while Satan destroys and Christ helps the tempted.Lt 77, 1901, par. 6+1 The verse is a message to professed servants including responsible publishing men to be humble learners in Christ's school so God's softening subduing power enters lives and the Spirit works with them.20MR 86.1 Those in publishing must be heart-converted before serving as safe advisers in straight sound example and counsel so the weak are not led away but healed.Ms 59, 1912, par. 4

Painstaking care to keep conduct straight so the lame are healed is lessened by increasing expense on embellishing books, and is kept by publishing less and spending more time bringing the heart into harmony with Christ, serving with holy fire rather than common fire, because a record is made for reward according to works.Ms 2, 1902, par. 4 Those caring for diseased minds and bodies must live and work to give a straight safe example, for inconsistent conduct can lead vulnerable people from truth and cause stumbling while the right path aids recovery.Lt 46, 1901, par. 15–17 All in medical missionary institutions must keep work spiritually pure and conduct straight because they represent Christ the healer of physical and spiritual health, acting rightly and carefully so the weak are restored not led away.Lt 125, 1901, par. 14

In sanitarium work straight paths require uniting in reformation and decided changes, laboring skillfully with quickened vital energy and consistent godly influence, so weak lame souls under care are healed and saved rather than turned out by wrong example such as devoting the evening after the Sabbath to entertainment or pleasure gatherings counteracting spiritual influence.Lt 20, 1902, par. 1–2 Crooked paths must be made straight by turning back from temptation-led separation and uniting with the established institution rather than building a rival, with physicians and health institutions working harmoniously to build up not tear down instead of weakening each other by wrong management and independent action, so God's name is glorified and souls fitted for the last-days work.Lt 26b, 1889, par. 18–21 Straight paths require unity, love and harmonious action rather than division, ending divisions between medical missionary workers and ministers and helping the blind, with transformed men in trust living harmoniously unto sweet accord, and with all receiving truth in love making straight paths in meekness, humility and wholehearted kindness, refusing independent atoms or party linkage lest the lame be turned out.Lt 296, 1904, par. 11–13+2

Keeping the soul in God's love and living uprightly so weak ones are healed requires attending camp meetings without waiting for invitation, keeping the divinely kindled taper shining to others, trusting wholly in Christ as the only safe Teacher, learning meekness and walking in communion to learn wisdom as Enoch did, because the great question is soul salvation.Lt 164, 1899, par. 6 Removing all disunion, grudges and supposed wrongs through direct humble reconciliation at the start of camp-meeting heals weak believers stumbled by unresolved variance, bitterness, pride and harsh words left to corrode and break out.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9 Being healed means no wound unattended, all rubbish cleared from the King's highway, old wounds closed by confession not self-vindication, and mind and soul healed by grace so preaching becomes tenfold more precious, in the straight path of peace with all and holiness with diligent watch lest any fail of grace or root of bitterness defile many.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9

Making straight paths means laying aside firm determined personal will into God's will, walking humbly under the Spirit's softening influence and listening to brethren's counsel especially as the great day nears, considering influence on souls so the cause is not imperiled and the lame are healed.Lt 161, 1899, par. 4–5 Each must keep own feet straight before God instead of tracking a brother to fault-find, humbling self, not overestimating abilities or insisting own ways right, refusing jealousy, guarding words and actions against offense, taking heed, drawing near daily in prayer and Scripture, abiding in Christ and pressing together in faith and love, so united strength replaces division and example helps rather than turns aside.Ms 4, 1885, par. 3+1 One must make own conduct straight before judging others by applying known light with undivided heart, leaving others alone, weeding own character, ceasing faultfinding, unjust complaint, self-righteousness and unholy acts, binding the soul to the Rock, and through humiliation, contrition and Christ's righteousness becoming pure without delay, since time closes and unconfessed sin closes the city way leaving one a stumbling-block without the wedding garment.19MR 60.3–61.1+2

Making straight paths requires ceasing to stand in sinners' way and serving God with undivided affection, living harmony between truth and practice with no contradiction turning weak souls aside.1MR 382.1–3+1 It means not following impulsive fun-loving feeling, putting away trifling, watching unto prayer sober yet cheerful, yoking with Christ, aiming high on the rock foundation as a full Christian kept by God's power, for half-hearted pleasure-seeking professors turn lame faith aside while straight self-denying example heals.1MR 382.1–3+1 Walking in humility and depending wholly on Christ makes straight paths for those around and keeps others from turning aside, whereas failing to walk humbly does not.Lt 24, 1910, par. 1

Believers must make conduct a straight steady path supporting the weak by firm principled lives, not compromising or wavering alongside them, but remaining firm in tested principle to help them stand firm and be healed rather than weakening or sharing wavering.STBk 119.2+3 God's workers must keep eyes on Jesus, resist sin and depend on God so lives follow a straight path with Christlike character leading sin-degraded people into new life, while falling into sin makes crooked paths preventing help, and Christlike love enables standing firmly where God calls through compassionate practical deeds.RH Apr 4, 1912+1

The straight careful course in speech and conduct shaped by Christ's meekness and lowliness keeps conduct straight, safe and blameless, avoiding even appearance of evil, careless advice, pride and harm in God's work, preserving correct deportment and purity with love for souls joined to hatred of weakening conduct, so those lacking moral strength are not deceived into calling sin righteousness or turned into error.Lt 17, 1891, par. 36+4 Conduct must be kept straight by doing duty rather than following selfish impulses, guarding own words and actions and then helping fellow believers, with every soul naming Christ following Jesus' footsteps securely showing His character.LSEGW 249.1–2+1 Faithful conduct makes a straight path not only for self but for onlookers by refusing to hide faith or abandon conviction in obedience.Ms 166, 1897, par. 7–9

Straight upright conduct is required especially in service so misdeeds do not lead the weak away, and those believing and teaching truth must make straight paths by conduct, for failure can bring others avoidable trials and harm.TSSW 53.1–54.1+1 One at risk of shipwreck through poor choices and lack of training is urged to choose a straight faithful course wisely for his brother's sake and strengthen weak character points rather than act toward ruin.Lt 144, 1899, par. 2 Those teaching truth must make a clear followable way by advancing steadily and solidly, guarding against extremes and confusing language, using plain simple speech with defined ideas line upon line little by little, lest carrying truth too far in advance or pressing advanced ideas unclearly make unstable fanciful believers who do not walk straight yet think themselves far ahead.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 25–28+2

The straight sound course in conduct and work applies to young people faithfully and acceptably presenting truth to those ignorant of it, so the weak are not led astray but healed.Ms 22, 1913, par. 4–6 Recognizing God's dealings straightens the way forward, and obstacles do not mean abandoning work but pressing through difficulties to help the weak stay on course and be restored, including arranging responsibilities wisely so none is overburdened and helpers can assist.Lt 12, 1910, par. 17–18+1 Those following Christ must guard against bitterness because it can injure others, while making conduct a straight path so the weak are helped toward healing.Ms 48, 1904, par. 20–21 This is applied to living by prayer and faithfully showing Christ to the world in a straight safe path for self and others unto restoration.Ms 69, 1907, par. 4–6

God's people must remain devoted, choose course carefully so fellow workers do not stumble, and keep the weak from being led astray unto recovery, for pride and stubbornness can turn one away, requiring a steady faithful course.Lt 63, 1897, par. 4–7 Advancing along right lines means diligent work toward gospel moral transformation with human wisdom joined to divine wisdom and mercy preparing Christ's satisfaction, so the lame are not turned aside.Lt 39, 1901, par. 13 Those connected with publishing and gospel work need thorough conversion, for outward success does not prove it, and unconverted leadership opens the way for evils and loss of souls, while crooked paths by the unconsecrated, especially ministers with objectionable traits, lead the religiously deficient away and imperil truth, so believers and ministers must be converted, walk in Christ's footsteps, and live a religion of love to God and man desiring perishing souls' salvation.RH Feb 5, 1901+2

Failure to make straight paths turns vulnerable people from the right course, as when one's course leads the weak away rather than healing.Lt 222, 1903, par. 2–3 One tempted into crooked paths must make conduct straight as responsibility toward others, so example does not turn the weak or wavering away.Lt 91, 1895, par. 11 Special care is required for young believers and those newly brought in through truth, baptism and Sabbath-keeping, not neglecting them or sowing doubt and unbelief that could ruin a soul, but faithfully supporting them to stand on a sure foundation, grow in faith, and reach a high standard and mature spiritual strength.7T 184.1+3