"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." — Proverbs 14:12
Many people cannot discern the hidden dangers or the fearful ending of the path that seems to them the way of happiness. The direction you are taking in life today may feel like it leads to joy, but if it is a way contrary to God, disaster will be the result.
A strange thing about human beings is that we are often ignorant, yet we think we know everything. It is amazing that the less we know, the more stubborn we become. Young children can be incredibly headstrong. Teenagers, who have barely experienced life, are often rebellious. Even adults living disastrous lives will resist any attempt to be told that their own choices brought that disaster upon them. No wonder the Bible says, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23).
We all desire what is good, but not every lifestyle leads to a good end. A person may enjoy the adrenaline of theft for years, but they are on a disastrous path. Eventually, the "harvest" arrives—whether through a run-in with the law or, ultimately, standing before the Great Judge.
King David saw a beautiful woman, Bathsheba, bathing one night. He could not resist the sight of her. Even when his messengers warned him that she was the wife of Uriah, one of his own soldiers, David refused to listen. All he saw was the immediate pleasure.
David never imagined that a "one-night stand" would bring him years of misery. He never thought he would lose four of his own children as a result of that single night of passion. He saw the pleasure to be gained, but not the misery to follow.
When Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to cover it up. When his cover-up failed, he resorted to murder—having her husband killed on the front lines. One night of sinful pleasure led to a cold-blooded death.
David thought he could enjoy forbidden fruit and escape the consequences, but the Lord declares, "A man reaps what he sows." We may escape the fallout of our bad decisions for a while, but the harvest eventually comes.
Family Chaos: David's daughter was violated by his son, Amnon.
Murder: His son Absalom then killed Amnon in revenge.
Rebellion: Absalom eventually rebelled against his father, publicly shamed him, and was ultimately killed in battle.
All of this tragedy occurred because David thought he knew better than God. The ways of God are the ways of life, but to transgress His law at any point leads to ruin.
The best way to live is to remain humble, recognizing that we are not wise enough to lead ourselves. The more I learn, the more I see my own ignorance. The height of wisdom is realizing that I know nothing compared to the One who knows everything.
God knows the end of every decision we make. He says, "My son, my daughter, choose this way, for it leads to life; abstain from that way, for it leads to death."
Not only should we listen to God, but we should also listen to those who have more experience than we do. If someone tells you, "I wouldn't take that path; it leads to ruin," pay attention. Learn from the mistakes of others. If even King David—a man after God's own heart—suffered such loss from adultery, do not think you are smarter or stronger than he was.
Let us examine our lives closely. Are we on the path of life or the path of death? Any life that is not dependent on Christ and guided by Him leads to misery. Conversely, a life guided by the Spirit of God through prayer and the Word leads to peace and eternal life.
Let us stop trusting in our own foolish wisdom. Put your trust wholly in God and ask Him to guide your steps daily.
Lord, my prayer today is: Guide my every decision in life. Amen.
Comments