Dennis Abernathy

In Proverbs 16: 25 God says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” This verse is repeated word for word in Proverbs 14: 12, which means it is especially noteworthy.

When we examine this proverb, it doesn’t mean that whatever seems right must be wrong. But it does mean that it is possible for something to seem right when it actually is wrong. It is possible for people to think something is good when it is really bad! It is possible for something to seem true when it is false. Indeed, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

We desperately need that warning in our generation. So many people today imagine that whatever they think is right must be right and cannot be wrong. We even see religious people who think they can’t be doctrinally wrong if they feel right! But in Proverbs 16: 25 God is warning us against that mistaken assumption. He wants us to know that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death’—He wants us to know that, so we will listen to what He tells us is right in His Word.

What lessons can we learn from this proverb? People can be sincerely wrong. The man under consideration went a way that “seemed” best to him. Nothing in the verse indicates that we should question his sincerity. He did what he thought was right. Most people believe their choices are right and for their betterment, but the verse says this man’s choice in the end “leads to death.” God didn’t spare him simply because he was sincere in his convictions. Today, many people are sincere in their religious convictions—that the paths they pursue have merit. In Matt.7: 22-23, many people will stand before Jesus, convinced, they have faithfully served Him. To them Jesus says, “Depart from Me!” Jesus doesn’t say, “You did not do what I wanted, but you were sincere. Therefore, I will save you anyway.” They were told to depart because they practiced “lawlessness,” Sincerity is not good enough! We must ensure that we are living according to God’s Word!

We need to pay attention to God’s directions. The Bible is our spiritual roadmap or guide for life (Psa. 119: 105). Whether or not we follow it is our choice! Wisdom demands that we consider the path we are on. “Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths” (Prov.3: 6). That is the only way to keep safe on our way and “keep our feet from stumbling” (Prov. 3: 23).

My friends, the only way to really know what is right is not by merely following what “seems” right, but by following what God says is right in His Word! Think on these things.