We’ve all been there…I’m sure I know the right thing to do here!…I’ve got a great idea and there’s a huge upside!…This is absolutely the best way to go!
“There is a way that seems right…” BUT…
This verse teaches the same truth as 3:5 (“lean not on your own understanding’). While something might look good and could work out – it might also turn into a big disaster. So, what are good people like us supposed to do?
The other part of 3:5 can also help with that. It says “trust in the LORD with all your heart.” But many would say – while that sounds good, I’m not exactly sure how to do it.
HOW is the simplest way I know! HOW– Honest, Open and Willing. I need to get Honest with God about where I really am with things today.
Then I need to be Open to what I think He might be saying to me through situations today. And, finally, I need to be Willing – to the best of my ability – to just step out and attempt to do whatever it is I think He wants me to do.
When I make this kind of effort, there is no way I can lose! But left to my own devices “…in the end it leads to death.”
God has a wonderful plan for our lives and He makes it clear HOW this stuff works. But, just in case we didn’t get it this time – He’ll say it to us again in 16:25!