READ Proverbs 14:1-12

In Proverbs 14 the contrast between wisdom and folly continues. However, there’s a slight shift in the nuance of the theme. Whereas the contrast in recent chapters has been between the wisdom of righteousness and the folly of wickedness, now the thought seems to focus upon the wisdom of goodness versus the foolishness of wrongdoing.

Notice Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."  These exact same words, with the exception of the word "which" being "that", appear in Proverbs 16:25.  For something to be stated once in the Bible is sufficient evidence of its importance, but for it to appear twice should get our attention.  Also, there is an observation to be made in that in the first half of both verses the word way is singular, yet in the second half of the verse, it is plural – ways.  Think about this for a moment.  Have you ever heard someone say, "I got my way, and you got yours"?  They are defending their position; they are clinging to their way.  But does that make their way right?  People can be sincere, and yet be sincerely wrong.  In this verse there likely are two major applications. 

(1) There is always a danger in self-righteousness. Such pride of spirit easily leads to destruction. 

(2) There is a presumed way to salvation which seems right to many but it leads to the second death. 

Counterfeit religion has always been a favorite device of the devil. Those ignorant of the Scriptures think their religion is right, but wind up going to hell.  There is a correlation between the two applications noted. Pride and self-righteousness often blind and harden hearts to the truth of salvation in Christ.  Don't get fooled by thinking what you believe doesn't matter, because it does.  There is only one way to Heaven (through Jesus Christ) and all the other ways end in death.  Jesus Christ so clearly proclaimed in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  Jesus did not say He was "a way", He stated He was "the way".  I once saw a tract that had the following on its cover, "What You Must Do To Spend Eternity In Hell.”  When my curiosity kicked in, I opened the tract and it was blank.  What a powerful message!  Are you trying to get to Heaven your way?  If so, the end thereof is one of the many ways of death.  Make sure you are trusting in God's way to Heaven.  It does matter that you are on the right path!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Describe a time in your life when you were sincerely wrong.

2.  Are you teachable?  When shown the facts will you embrace the fact that you were wrong?  How do you respond?

3.  List a few things that if you are wrong about them, could lead to your demise.

4.  According to the Bible, how are you going to get to Heaven?