Proverbs 16:26 - Making Right Decisions.

Pro.16:26: Making Right Decisions.

Prov 16:25 (KJV)  There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Prov 16:25 (TEV)  What you think is the right road may lead to
death.

Prov 16:25 (TLB)  Before every man there lies a wide and
pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death.

This proverb is identical to 14:12 (q.v.). [Expositors Bible
Commentary]

Apparently this was repeated for the sake of emphasis. [Bible
Knowledge Commentary]

Conduct that seems to be right may end in disaster. [Expositors
Bible Commentary]

The "way that seems right" may offer many options and require
few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second
look. Is this solution attractive because it allows me to be lazy?
Because it doesn't ask me to change my life-style? Because it requires
no moral restraints? The right choice often requires hard work and
self-sacrifice. Don't be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end
in death. [Life Application SB]

Warning against the problem of self-deception. [Jamieson,
Fausset, And Brown Commentary]

This way seems right to fallen man whose mind is alienated from
God. [Passages Of Life SB]

Initially this statement seems unfair: we live the way that
seems right to us, and we're condemned for it. But this is a proverb
about powerlessness. On our own, we are unable to determine the right
direction for our lives. That is why Steps Three and Eleven are so
critical to our recovery. They make it possible for us to say, "You steer
my life, God. This direction seems right, but what is your will for
me?" Then we will follow the way that not only seems right, but
actually is right. [Life Recovery Devotional SB]

Man was made to live in a relationship with God, but sin has
severed that relationship and unless we allow Christ to heal this broken
relationship we will make choices in life that seem right to us but well
result in death. [Gibbs]

What seems right to us very often is not what is right.  The
only way we can know what is right is to go to the Author of Life and
discover what He says.  If we are not bringing the Bible to bear upon our
lives, we are in danger of drifting to what seems okay.  There is no
substitute for knowing what God says in His Word.  We cannot apply or
comply if we don't know it.  Why not determine to read through the
Bible in a year? Today is a great day to begin this project of
earnestly reading and studying God's Word.   A regular schedule of what
and how much to read will help you attain your goal.  Then you won't
have to wonder about what "seems right," you'll know what is right!
[In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]

Making Decisions
    These are ten questions you'll want to ask yourself and pray
about when you're faced with a decision. The first five are generic.
They represent moral issues and godly wisdom that are normative for
all times. The next five are questions that you need to ask when
facing a change in direction. Let's take a look at what each question
entails.
    First, have you prayed about it? The Lord's Prayer begins
with a petition for His will. Prayer was never intended to be a
fourth down punting situation in which we ask God to bail us out of our
hasty decisions. It was intended to be a first-down huddle. We aren't
supposed to ask God to bless our plans; we are supposed to ask God for
His plans.
    Second, is it consistent with the Word of God? In our
culture ignorance is no excuse since resources abound. I believe every
home should have at least a concordance, Bible dictionary, topical
Bible, a good commentary and a study Bible with notes.
    Third, can I do it and be a positive Christian witness?
    Fourth, will me Lord be glorified?..... Am I seeking the glory
of man or glory of God? Am I doing this to be noticed by man or am
I seeking to please the Lord?
    Fifth, am I acting responsibly? God doesn't bail us out of
our irresponsibility. He will let us suffer me consequences of our
sins and irresponsible choices. But when we are faithful in little
things, he will put us in charge of greater things.
    Sixth, is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His
guidance may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God
doesn't bypass our mind.... We are warned in Scripture not to put our
mind in neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true
(Philippians 4:8,9).
    Seventh, does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors
are not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme let
it go. If it isn't God's timing, wait. If a realistic opportunity
exists, and all me other factors are in agreement, then take the
plunge.
    Eighth, are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in
agreement? Be careful not to consult only those who will agree with you.
Give your advisors permission to ask hard questions. Don't be afraid
of no answers. If it isn't God's will, don't you want to know
before you make the mistake of acting impulsively?
    Ninth, do I have a sanctified desire? Don't think that being
in the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of
the Lord should be our strength.... Is this a desire to satisfy a
lust of the flesh, or a Spirit-filled desire to see God's kingdom
established and people helped?
    Tenth, do I have a peace about it? This is an inner peace.
In the world you will have tribulation, but in Christ we have
assurance of overcoming the world. Is the peace of God guarding your heart
and your mind?
    If you have been able to answer yes to all ten deciding
factors, what are you waiting for? (From Walking in the Light by Neil
Anderson) [Inspirational SB re Jos.22]