Proverbs 14:12

12 ¹There is a way that seems right to a man, but ²its end is the way to death.^[a]

Proverbs 14:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man
As the way of sin and wickedness does, it promising much carnal pleasure and mirth; there is a great deal of company in it, it is a broad road, and is pleasant, and seems right, but it leads to destruction; so the way of the hypocrite and Pharisee that trusts to his own righteousness, and despises others, and even the righteousness of Christ; or however does not submit to it, but tramples upon him, and counts the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and so is deserving of sorer punishment than the profane sinner; yet on account of his good works, as he calls them, fancies himself to be in a fair way for heaven and happiness; so Popery, through the pomp and grandeur and gaudiness of worship, through the lying miracles of the priests, and the air of devotion that appears in them, seems to be a right way; but the end thereof [are] the ways of death;
which lead unto eternal death; for that is the wages of sin, let it appear in what shape it will.

Proverbs 14:12 In-Context

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 16:25; See Proverbs 12:15
• 2. [Proverbs 5:5; Romans 6:21]; See Proverbs 7:27

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew ways of death