Want to listen to this post instead of reading? Play the audio recording below.
I admit there have been times when, instead of looking to God for direction and leading, I allowed my heart to decide the right way to go.
Proverbs 14:12 states: There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (NIV).
The word ‘right’ in Proverbs 14:12 means to be straight. To be well pleasing. To be upright. As a believer, my ability to know the way that is straight, well pleasing, or upright before God cannot be based on what appears right to me.
Proverbs 3:5-7: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil (NIV).
Here are two takeaways from Proverbs 3:5-7 that can help us to do what is right.
First, let us not lean on our own understanding. I have learned that my understanding can never measure up to God’s understanding. Psalm 147:5 states: Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit (NIV).
Second, let us not be wise in our own eyes. From my experience, my wisdom is flawed so I can be deceived into thinking a way is right. But God’s wisdom is perfect. In fact, our God is the only wise God. 1 Timothy 1:17 states: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
As believers, we should want to submit to God so that our paths can be straight (Proverbs 3:6).
Why then do we struggle to submit to God? While the reasons may be many, for some of us, it may be that we want to be in control of our lives. Submitting to God will, however, require that we release control. God knows the way we should go. And we can trust Him.
Let us submit to God so that we can receive His wisdom. His understanding. His leading. This is how we can be sure we are going the way that is right.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domain.
