There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12, RSV 

 

This is one of the passages in the Bible that has made a huge difference in my life - and it will to you as well, if you take a moment to think about it: There is a way that seems right...

 

At first it might appear that God is trying to trick us! After all, how could something that appears to be right, actually kill us? Perhaps more than anything else, the answer to that question has caused me to seriously read, study, and contemplate the words found in the Bible.

 

So what is the answer to the question? How can something that seems right lead to death? At first it might seem unfair, but just think about it for a moment. Aren't there things that seem right in just about every aspect of your life, that are not right at all? Have you ever dated a person that seemed perfect, who turned out to be anything but? Have you ever made a sure fire, get rich quick investment that turned out to lose you money? Have you ever gone in a direction that you were certain was right, only to end up getting helplessly lost?

 

The answer to all of these questions is. "of course"! We constantly do things that we think are right that turn out wrong. It's one of the lessons in life that teaches us to be careful. When we are young we think that it is alright to touch that electric outlet or hot burner, or we think its okay to pick up that snake or pet that skunk. These things are all foolish to us now that we are older, but to one who is immature, it seems okay.

 

It's the same with God's way. While it may seem that any old way will lead to salvation when we are spiritually immature, a little study will reveal that this philosophy is nothing short of fatal. While it seems to us that certain types of lifestyles are alright, a careful study of God's Word will clearly show that they are defined by God as sin.

 

And we have to take the time to find out because if there really is a way that seems right to a man that leads to death, we need to know so that we can avoid it.

 

This is why we study!

 

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 12:15, RSV

 

Today is the 27th day of the 30 day challenge to read through the books of wisdom, with Proverbs 17-24 being the reading for today. May God richly bless you as you seek the right path and walk in it!