Proverbs 14:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 14:12

We have here an account of the way and end of a great many self-deluded souls. 1. Their way is seemingly fair: It seems right to themselves; they please themselves with a fancy that they are as they should be, that their opinions and practices are good, and such as will bear them out. The way of ignorance and carelessness, the way of worldliness and earthly-mindedness, the way of sensuality and flesh-pleasing, seem right to those that walk in them, much more the way of hypocrisy in religion,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 14:12

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man - This may be his easily besetting sin, the sin of his constitution, the sin of his trade. Or it may be his own false views of religion: he may have an imperfect repentance, a false faith, a very false creed; and he may persuade himself that he is in the direct way to heaven. Many of the papists, when they were burning the saints of God in the flames at Smithfield, thought they were doing God service! And in the late Irish massacre, the more of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8-19

The understanding of one's way I. THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE . ( Proverbs 14:8 .) To note, to observe, to take heed to one's way, is the characteristic of the man who is prudent for time and wise for eternity. And, on the contrary, the very principle of folly is self-deception—to be followed in turn by a terrible awakening to sobriety and recognition of the truth (comp. Psalms 7:15 ; Job 4:8 ). The right way is illustrated both positively and negatively. II. SOME PARTICULAR ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:10-13

Loneliness and laughter The tenth verse suggests to us the serious and solemnizing fact of— I. THE ELEMENT OF LONELINESS IN HUMAN LIFE . "The heart knoweth its own bitterness," etc. In one aspect our life path is thronged. It is becoming more and more difficult to be alone. Hours that were once sacred to solitude are now invaded by society. And yet it remains true that "in the central depths of our nature we are alone." There is a point at which, as he goes inward, our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:12

This verse occurs again in Proverbs 16:25 . There is a way which seemeth right unto a man. This may refer to the blinding effects of passion and self-will; for these make a man think his own way best and most desirable. But it seems better to take it as a warning against following a perverted or uninstructed conscience. Conscience needs to be informed by God's Word and ruled by God's will to make it a safe guide. When properly regulated, it is able to pronounce a verdict upon contemplated... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:12

The way that seemeth right I. ITS ATTRACTIVE APPEARANCE . This way does not only seem pleasant; it seems to be right. This is a course of life which a man is tempted to follow because it flatters him with fair promises. 1 . It promises good. We are greatly tempted to judge of the means by the end, and, if we think that the thing to be attained is good, to condone the questionable conduct that secures it. Thus men have justified 2 . It flatters self-will. Men believe in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:12

Proverbs 14:12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man There are some evil actions or courses which men may think to be lawful and good, either through gross ignorance, or self-flattery, or through want of necessary diligence in examining them by the rule of God’s word; all which are culpable causes of the mistake, and therefore do not excuse the error; but the end thereof are the ways of death The event shows that they were sinful and destructive. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 14:1-35

Hidden feelings and motives (14:1-35)Wisdom builds, but folly destroys. People’s actions reveal their attitude to God (14:1-2). The wisdom of their speech and their commitment to hard work are among the things that determine whether they progress or come to ruin (3-5). Those who think they know everything can never become truly wise and therefore can never have right discernment in the moral issues of life (6-8).Good people may prosper and evil people may suffer loss, but outward appearances do... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 14:12

seemeth right = is pleasing. It only "seems" right, Illustrations: Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:27-33 ; 1 Kings 14:7-11 . Compare Proverbs 3:7 ); Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24 ); Jews (Acts 13:50 ; John 16:2 . Compare Paul, Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:4-7 , and 1 Timothy 1:13 ). are = is. read more

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