The Way that seems right
Calibration of our internal compass
"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
Proverbs 14:12
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This is quite the eye-opening claim! And it is so counter to our way of thinking that it is easy to quickly dismiss this as preposterous. But that's the point, isn't it.
This is like a neon road sign declaring Danger! ROAD CLOSED AHEAD. Despite the present condition that everything looks fine now, the wise are admonished to turn around and avoid disaster. How could this be?
A quick look at history shows that in reality maybe there is some truth here. Wars, violence, poverty, broken relationships and hearts, longings and loneliness are common. So is the ongoing pursuit of elusive happiness.
It also applies to mankind's relationship with God. We naturally think that either there is a path to God through our own merits and good work or that God is irrelevant and winks at our misdeeds and life choices through a lenient eye. Both of these views also lead to death.
The Bible says we are fallen, and our natural outlook and way of thinking lead will us to a place we didn't intend to go and don't want to be. It is a fail-safe early warning system.
Thankfully, as well, the Bible instructs us on the right way to go.
It's shocking to consider that our normal is in fact not right. However this is the wisdom and Providence of God.
This small verse from Proverbs served as the inspiration for the whole list of verses.