Different takes on the "way that seems right?"

[Kliska]

This is a question for fellow Christians in general, from all different backgrounds; What meanings have you heard applied to the Proverbs that state;

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

and

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What is the way which seems right, but ends in death?

 

[ProdglArchitect]

This is a question for fellow Christians in general, from all different backgrounds; What meanings have you heard applied to the Proverbs that state;

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

and

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What is the way which seems right, but ends in death?

The ways of the world, or, keeping your focus on things of the world rather than the things of God. To men, this seems right, because we are worldly beings due to the fall; but only focusing on the world will bring about our spiritual ruin. It’s only when we focus on God that we escape the eternal death that is Hell.

 

[drac16]

Many people are convinced that they’re on their way to Heaven, but live a continuously carnal life. Many people are in for a surprise when they wake up on Judgment Day. The way of vague spirituality is the way that seems right. You live as you please and God loves you anyway; it’s the ultimate wishful thinking.

 

[wmscott]

This is a question for fellow Christians in general, from all different backgrounds; What meanings have you heard applied to the Proverbs that state;

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

and

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What is the way which seems right, but ends in death?

So in looking in the Haydocks Commentary it said this with regards to Proverbs 14:12

Ver. 12. Death. How many, under the garb of piety, follow their passions! How many are misled by their singularity, or by unskilful directors! (Calmet) — We must suspect our own judgment. (Menochius) — If any Turks, Jews, or heretics, lead a moral good life, it seemeth both to themselves and to other ignorant people that they are in the right way to salvation; but their error in faith leadeth them to eternal damnation. (Worthington) — The persecutors thought they did God a service by putting the apostles to death. Will they be excused? (Haydock)

I thought it was interesting

 

[jane_doe]

What is the way which seems right, but ends in death?

The way which is based upon this wisdom of man, and not the wisdom of God. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8.

 

[Kliska]

Thanks to all who replied. I’ve never heard some of these views of these proverbs. I was always taught it was an early juxtaposition of righteousness gained by works vs. the righteousness of faith, meaning that other religions teach working one’s way into God’s/gods/goddesses good graces, as opposed to the idea of faith and grace.

 

[Horton]

This is a question for fellow Christians in general, from all different backgrounds; What meanings have you heard applied to the Proverbs that state;

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

and

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What is the way which seems right, but ends in death?

To understand what these verses mean you have to put them in context. Below I’ve put the verses you questioned with other verses in the same chapters and meaning becomes clear.

Proverbs 16
19 It is better to be humble with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Whoever ponders a matter will be successful;

happy the one who trusts in the LORD!

21 The wise of heart is esteemed for discernment,

and pleasing speech gains a reputation for learning.

22 Good sense is a fountain of life to those who have it,

but folly is the training of fools.

23 The heart of the wise makes for eloquent speech,

and increases the learning on their lips.

24 Pleasing words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones.

**25 Sometimes a way seems right,

but the end of it leads to death!
**
26 The appetite of workers works for them,

for their mouths urge them on.

27 Scoundrels are a furnace of evil,

and their lips are like a scorching fire.

28 Perverse speech sows discord,

and talebearing separates bosom friends.

29 The violent deceive their neighbors,

and lead them into a way that is not good.

Proverbs 14

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

and its joy no stranger shares.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

but the tent of the upright will flourish.

**12 Sometimes a way seems right,

but the end of it leads to death!**

13 Even in laughter the heart may be sad,

and the end of joy may be sorrow.

14 From their own ways turncoats are sated,

from their own actions, the loyal.

15 The naive believe everything,

but the shrewd watch their steps.

16 The wise person is cautious and turns from evil;

the fool is reckless and gets embroiled.

 

[superwimp]

This is a question for fellow Christians in general, from all different backgrounds; What meanings have you heard applied to the Proverbs that state;

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

and

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What is the way which seems right, but ends in death?

Hello kliska,

 We view our lives on earth as another opportunity to learn rather than as a test.  We consider our way better than your way but we don't believe your way leads to death.  
We have no list of things that we must do, not do, or believe.  Instead we have an ideal that we have created by which we weigh are decisions on.