Proverbs 16:25 - Many Paths Seem Right But Lead To Death.
Proverbs 16:25: Many Paths Seem Right But Lead To Death.
CONTENT; What's in the verse; Translations; Paraphrase; Word
Study:
Prov 16:25 (KJV) There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Prov 16:25 (NRSV) Sometimes there is a way that seems to be
right, but in the end it is the way to death.
Prov 16:25 (TEV) What you think is the right road may lead to
death.
Prov 16:25 (TLB) Before every man there lies a wide and
pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death.
CONTEXT; What's around the verse; Overview; Topic:
The Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16)
The major collection attributed to Solomon (10:1-22:16)
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
CROSS REFERENCES; What's in verses elsewhere.
Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a
man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Repetition has been called the mother of learning. It has also
been called the mother of boredom! But when a statement is important
enough for the author to repeat more than once, you can be sure it
contains a message you can't afford to miss. [Your Daily Walk SB]
2 Cor. 13:5 (KJV) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the
faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that
Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
COMMENTARY / APPLICATION: Moving From The Head To The Heart
What is God teaching here? What does it teach about Jesus?
This proverb is identical to 14:12. [Expositors Bible Commentary]
Apparently this was repeated for the sake of emphasis. [Bible
Knowledge Commentary]
Conduct that seems to be right may end in disaster. [Expositors
Bible Commentary]
This way seems right to fallen man whose mind is alienated from
God. [Passages Of Life SB]
Man was made to live in a relationship with God, but sin has
severed that relationship and unless we allow Christ to heal this broken
relationship we will make choices in life that seem right to us but well
result in death. [Gibbs]
Warning against the problem of self-deception. [Jamieson,
Fausset, And Brown Commentary]
The "way that seems right" may offer many options and require
few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second
look. Is this solution attractive because it allows me to be lazy?
Because it doesn't ask me to change my life-style? Because it requires
no moral restraints? The right choice often requires hard work and
self-sacrifice. Don't be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end
in death. [Life Application SB re Pro.14:12]
Initially this statement seems unfair: we live the way that
seems right to us, and we're condemned for it. But this is a proverb
about powerlessness. On our own, we are unable to determine the right
direction for our lives. That is why Steps Three and Eleven are so
critical to our recovery. They make it possible for us to say, "You steer
my life, God. This direction seems right, but what is your will for
me?" Then we will follow the way that not only seems right, but
actually is right. [Life Recovery Devotional SB]
What seems right to us very often is not what is right. The
only way we can know what is right is to go to the Author of Life and
discover what He says. If we are not bringing the Bible to bear upon our
lives, we are in danger of drifting to what seems okay. There is no
substitute for knowing what God says in His Word. We cannot apply or
comply if we don't know it. Why not determine to read through the
Bible in a year? Today is a great day to begin this project of
earnestly reading and studying God's Word. A regular schedule of what
and how much to read will help you attain your goal. Then you won't
have to wonder about what "seems right," you'll know what is right!
[In His Time; Walk With Wisdom re Pro.14:12]
Making Decisions
These are ten questions you'll want to ask yourself and pray
about when you're faced with a decision. The first five are generic.
They represent moral issues and godly wisdom that are normative for
all times. The next five are questions that you need to ask when
facing a change in direction. Let's take a look at what each question
entails.
First, have you prayed about it? The Lord's Prayer begins with a
petition for His will. Prayer was never intended to be a fourth down
punting situation in which we ask God to bail us out of our hasty
decisions. It was intended to be a first-down huddle. We aren't supposed to
ask God to bless our plans; we are supposed to ask God for His
plans.
Second, is it consistent with the Word of God? In our culture
ignorance is no excuse since resources abound. I believe every home should
have at least a concordance, Bible dictionary, topical Bible, a good
commentary and a study Bible with notes.
Third, can I do it and be a positive Christian witness?
Fourth, will the Lord be glorified?..... Am I seeking the glory of
man or glory of God? Am I doing this to be noticed by man or am I
seeking to please the Lord?
Fifth, am I acting responsibly? God doesn't bail us out of our
irresponsibility. He will let us suffer me consequences of our sins and
irresponsible choices. But when we are faithful in little things, he will put
us in charge of greater things.
Sixth, is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance
may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn't
bypass our mind.... We are warned in Scripture not to put our mind in
neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true
(Philippians 4:8,9).
Seventh, does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are
not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme let it
go. If it isn't God's timing, wait. If a realistic opportunity
exists, and all me other factors are in agreement, then take the
plunge.
Eighth, are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in
agreement? Be careful not to consult only those who will agree with you.
Give your advisors permission to ask hard questions. Don't be afraid
of no answers. If it isn't God's will, don't you want to know
before you make the mistake of acting impulsively?
Ninth, do I have a sanctified desire? Don't think that being in
the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of the
Lord should be our strength.... Is this a desire to satisfy a lust of
the flesh, or a Spirit-filled desire to see God's kingdom
established and people helped?
Tenth, do I have a peace about it? This is an inner peace. In
the world you will have tribulation, but in Christ we have assurance
of overcoming the world. Is the peace of God guarding your heart
and your mind?
If you have been able to answer yes to all ten deciding factors,
what are you waiting for? (Walking in the Light by Neil Anderson)
[Inspirational SB re Jos.22]
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