July 1, 2023

Proverbs 16:25

Written by:
Rev (Dr) Prabhudas Koshy

READ:

Proverbs 16:25

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.


EXHORTATION:

This verse has been mentioned once before in Proverbs 14:12. Since it is being repeated, we stand alerted twice to its warning. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we pay attention to its admonition.

We are warned here concerning the delusive and seductive nature of our self-will. Alas, even a destructive way may seem right unto a man if he simply follows his passion and self-will, which have been darkened by sin. If a man’s thoughts and feelings are not guided by the wisdom of God’s Word, what is harmful may seem right to him, being warped by his mind that is predisposed to sin and disobedience. Without the light of God’s Word, our minds are prone to choose the destructive ways of sin.

Under the influence of sin, man’s conscience loses its power to discern and to make right judgment. It “seemeth right” to him, but only in its appearance. Things are not what they seem. On the surface, the path would appear easy, pleasant and quite safe. Many may be walking along that same road, but without the wisdom of God’s Word. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:13b, “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”. Fashions of the world further fuel the follies of a generation misguided by their sin-plagued conscience. As Proverbs 30:12 says, “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Let us be wary of the social conscience of our times, which is often misshaped and misled by man’s sinful passions. It is utterly perilous to think that our ways are the best and most desirable. Our perverted minds and passions will lead us astray, like a moth that is attracted to the flame.

Even when we render our service to God, we cannot follow our thoughts blindly. Oftentimes, by the very act which we think will please God, we actually provoke Him to anger. In Isaiah 29:13, “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men”.

Man without God is prejudiced, confused, ignorant and self-deceiving; he walks inexorably to a ruinous end. So let us examine our ways and be sure to follow Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

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Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church adheres to the system of faith commonly known as the “Reformed Faith” as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith together with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
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