“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)

Have you ever been deceived, gone down the wrong path, or your judgment was wrong and you think, “How did I get here?  Where did I go wrong.  I thought I was doing what was right!” But in reality, you are NOT.

Going down the wrong path can occur when you are not paying attention or when you are not centered in God.  Things that cause us to go down the wrong path: drinking, drugging, gambling, watching movies that lead you down the wrong path, spending money you do not have, stealing from those you love, lying, cheating, and being dishonest.  Those things can appear right and OK at the time, but in the end, those things take you down a path of destruction, if you are not watchful or careful.

In life there are limitations and boundaries that we need to keep.  This verse warns that our judgment, personal instincts, and emotions can easily deceive us.  What feels logical or correct to an individual is often clouded by bias or a lack of eternal perspective.

We can completely convince ourselves that we are on the right path when we are actually straying from God’s wisdom.  We rationalize, which allows us to justify harmful actions.

When do things purely on our desires, wants, and social norms rather than God’s truth and ways, it will lead us to ruin, moral decay, and separation from God.

This proverb is about wise discernment, which encourages us looking beyond immediate impulses and desires, and learn to rely on God’s standards, truth, and guidance.  

When you keep your eyes focused on God you learn to trust your own internal compass, because it is centered in God and your relationship with God.  You learn to be accountable for your actions and your ability to say “NO” because you no longer need to make excuses—thus you are not apt to be lead astray.  It is something to think about.  Keep asking yourself, “Would Jesus do this?” if not, don’t do it.  God Bless. Amen.

denise