Proverbs 14:12

12 There is a way which seems to be right with men, but the ends of it reach to the depths of hell.

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 a man's mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride.

11 The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand.

12 There is a way which seems to be right with men, but the ends of it reach to the depths of hell.

13 Grief mingles not with mirth; and joy in the end comes to grief.

14 A stout-hearted shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gr. come.