The Way Of Death

“There is a way which seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.”

(Proverbs 14:12)

Many people know this proverb. It is an important one (and did you know it is one of the proverbs that is repeated exactly elsewhere? See 16:25. That makes it doubly important!)

The proverb is an extension of 14:11 where Solomon describes two men who have chosen radically different paths for their lives. One is a wicked man. He has chosen a way that goes a completely different direction from God. He is not interested in God’s word or God’s way. Yet it is important to note that the verse says his way is one that seems “right.” He hasn’t chosen to be wicked because he didn’t feel that was the best move for him. Why does anyone choose to be wicked? They see that choice to be one that will give them the best life, the most rewarding life (maybe characterized by many possessions and the gratification of sinful lusts). Yet Solomon finishes the story. His choice ended up being “the way of death.” In the Proverbs this means that he ended up getting himself killed.

What are some lessons we can learn from this proverb?

First, people can be sincerely wrong. This man went a way that “seemed” best to him. There is nothing in this verse to question his sincerity. He did what he thought was right! But, it wasn’t right! It was “the way of death.” God did not spare him because he was sincere in his convictions. Today there are many people who are sincere in their religious convictions. They are certain they are going the right way. But, as this man, their way could end up with serious, eternal consequences. In Matthew 7:22-23 there are those who stand before Jesus convinced that they have faithfully served Him. To them Jesus says “depart from Me!” Jesus doesn’t say, “well, you didn’t do what I wanted, but were sincere. Therefore I’m going to save you anyway.” They are told to “depart” because they “practiced lawlessness.” Sincerely isn’t good enough. We must make sure that we are living according to God’s word.

Second, we need to pay attention to God’s directions. The Bible is our spiritual road map. “I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me (Psalm 119:102). The fact is, this wicked man had good information available, he just chose to ignore it. The “upright man” (in v. 12) took advantage of the spiritual information that was available. As Jeremiah says, men are not able to direct their own lives (Jeremiah 10:23). “The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, but ruin to the workers of iniquity” (Proverbs 10:29).

Third, wisdom demands that we consider the path we are on. There is nothing wrong with stopping and making sure we’re on the right road. The Bible is the only way we can know – for sure – whether we are or not (3:6). “Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble” (3:23).