IT SEEMS RIGHT BUT IT’S WRONG

I had to read for a while until another verse jumped out as another urgent need in this world today—especially among Christians.  Its truth is repeated at least twice more in the book though worded a bit differently.

Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

When scripture describes a time when men are doing “what is right in his own eyes,” it is not a good thing.  The two times it is used in Judges is as commentary on a time of when the children of Israel are without a king and are characterized by idolatry and evil.  As we continue to read through the history of Israel, we find that having a king resulted in the people following the example of the king.  When the king followed God, the people followed his example; when the king was an idolater and wicked, so were the people.

Solomon is continually contrasting wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment vs. foolishness and lack of understanding or discernment.  He is constantly pointing to possessing a healthy fear of God and embracing the will of God as revealed in His word as the only acceptable standard by which wisdom, understanding and discernment can be gained.  It seems that this is becoming one of the most ignored truths in the professing Christian world today.  Sadly, I believe that many who profess to be Christian are impostors.  Jesus commented on this truth in connection with His return.

Luke 18:8 “….Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

Matthew 7:21–23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Generally speaking, the world today functions according to the wisdom of men—not God.  Those who stubbornly refuse God’s word as the standard for truth and discernment are destined to death—spiritual and physical death for a miserable eternity outside the presence of God.