Proverbs 16:25 - Making Right Decisions.
Proverbs 16:25 - Making Right Decisions.
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.
This proverb is identical to 14:12. [Expositors Bible Commentary]
Apparently this was repeated for the sake of emphasis. [Bible
Knowledge Commentary]
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]
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]
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]
Things are not always what they seem. Proverbs warns that we
can be deceived into believing we are going down the right path and
yet be heading toward death, the opposite direction from God's will.
People do not naturally seek God or pursue righteousness (Ro 3:10-18).
Only as the Spirit awakens our hearts to the Person of Christ are we
able to desire God's will. If we make decisions apart from the
guidance of the Spirit of God, we will be like a ship trying to sail
without a compass. We will do what makes the most sense, based on our
own wisdom. But what looks attractive may actually lead to sin,
ultimately destroying what is precious to us, for our most profound human
thinking is mere foolishness to God (1Co 1:18-20). Only God knows the way
that leads to life, and He wants to lead us to walk in it (Mt
7:13-14).
Don't assume every opportunity that arises is from God. Satan
will disguise himself as an "angel of light," and his invitations
will seem to be in your best interest (2Co 11:14). Yet his way leads
only to death (John 8:44). The word of God will be like a light to
your path, guiding you in the ways of righteousness (Ps 119:105).
It can be perilous to follow a path that seems right without
first consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance (John 16:13). Take time
to seek the Holy Spirit's direction when you face decisions. He
knows the full ramifications of your choices. The Holy Spirit will
assist you to understand truth and to experience abundant life. Trust
Him as He leads you. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and
Richard Blackaby]
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]
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Grace Notes: http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
More Spiritual Resources: http://www.aBible.com
TWO INCREDIBLE TESTIMONIES:
Finding God in a Prison Cell:
http://www.itiswritten.com/television#episodes/1212
With Christ in the Desert:
http://www.itiswritten.com/television#episodes/1211
