Unsafe Ways
J. Jowett, M.A. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. The wise man is not here speaking of gross wickedness. It is of the deceitful path. Is there only one such way? I. THE WAY OF WILFUL IGNORANCE. This is very commonly thought a safe way, but its end is death. How constantly ignorance is pleaded as an excuse for neglecting religion. Ignorance that is voluntary is sinful. II. THE WAY OF FORMALITY. An outward form and imitation of godliness, without any inward spiritual feeling. But professions can never deceive God, and the way of formal religion offends Him. III. THE WAY OF DOING ONE'S BEST. This is often thought to be the right way; yet it is equally ruinous. What do men mean by "doing their best"? Alas! it commonly means doing something less than God requires. In numberless instances, doing the best means "doing nothing at all." IV. THE WHY OF UNCOVENANTED MERCY. Men own that they are sinners, and deserving of punishment, but they speak peace to themselves, saying, "God is merciful." It is true that God is merciful, but there is a particular way in which alone that mercy is offered to sinners. God has never said that He will spare the unconverted, the impenitent, the unbelieving, the ungodly. V. THY WAY OF GOOD INTENTIONS. A man resolves to seek God; and that, too, in God's own way, by true repentance, faith in Christ, and by a life of holy obedience. But he stops with the resolves. That way is a way of death. (J. Jowett, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. WEB: There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.