Triple Check

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.” (Pr 16:25 AV)

Two words popped out at me.  Smeeth right.  This is not evil intentions that a person knows is wrong.  These intentions or desires do not seem right.  Rather, Solomon is teaching his children there are ways they may have thought through, ways they have compared against scripture, or ways they have sought counsel for that are not of the LORD.  They may seem very wise.  Pragmatism may support the ways.  Yet, if they ways are not of the LORD, they are the ways of death.  There is no evil or wicked intent suggested here.  The ways are not nefarious ways.  The ways are not sinful plans that lead to death.  These ways are misinformed ways.  These ways are obscured ways.  These ways are ways that lack complete understanding.

I have the greatest dog in the world.  He is the perfect breed.  If you want a totally human-acclimated breed, get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  They are awesome.  However, they lack basic canine sense.  When meeting people with dogs, he will ignore the dog and greet the person.  He has no sense of canine threats.  None.  The other day, an enormous dog charged at him.  Praise the LORD; I saw the whole thing unfold and scooped up Toby before the larger dog got close.  Another time, a hawk was hunting a dove and the dove dive-bombed right at us.  He nearly missed up be a few feet.  Poor Toby was oblivious.  When taking him for a walk, I have to be extra aware of any threat in our vicinity.  We live on a corner lot with the opposite side blocked by a building.  I cannot see what is coming around the corner until it has.  We have a neighbor with an aggressive breed who attacks small white dogs.  That would be Toby.  So, every time I do out with him, I watch that corner, anticipating that aggressive dog and his owner might be coming around the corner.  It may seem right to take my dog for a walk in that direction.  Actually, since the neighbor lives next door in the other direction, either way, I risk a doggie confrontation.  Going to my right seems like the right way.  What I don’t know is around the corner.  If there is a confrontation and my dog gets hurt, the way that seemed right was not the right way.

Solomon’s advice here is sound.  Don’t pick a way unless you know it is the right way.  Just because it may seem right doesn’t make it right.  Just because we have done all the math, and the opportunity outweighs the risks, doesn’t mean the choice is free from danger.  Solomon is very clear here.  When you think something seems right, be sure that it is.  All the logic and information in the world may not make it a wise choice.  Solomon is stating the obvious: that we need the LORD, no matter how much we think we have it handled.  We seldom pray about things we think we are sure of.  A choice comes along.  We come up with Biblical principles that support what seems right to us.  All the while, we do not pray about it.  We do not seek more scripture.  It is clear by the tenor of Solomon’s advice that ignoring God’s direction when we think we have it figured out is more common than we would like to admit.  What harm would it be to double and triple check it?  Why not sit with someone else and get their perspective?  Why not go to the word of God a few more times?  If the way is the right way, you are still right.  But if the way that seems right is not, there is great harm coming.