Proverbs 16:25 Commentary and Bible Study

This verse repeats the words of Proverbs 14: 12. The occurrence of repeated proverbs cannot be explained unless the context matters so that the same jewel needs to be placed in different settings to bring out different aspects of its beauty. If not, then the repetition can only be put down to the importance of the words and the emphasis on them to aid memory, but since all of these proverbs are important, this explanation is inadequate. In chapter 14:12 these words are considered as a lesson on inevitable consequences; here Solomon wants us to consider the reason for our choices, and how to make right choices.Does he mean that this way seems righteous to the man – ethically right, or simply that it seems to lead where he wants to go – the right way for him? Does the proverb say that the man makes a value judgment about the way he chooses or only that he selects this way because it gives him what he wants? Certainly, in choosing his way, the unbeliever lacks wisdom and so chooses on the basis of insignificant things without considering the big questions that apply to any path we choose in life. He does not even consider the end to which his journey is taking him, which is a matter so fundamental that it should override every other consideration. ‘Where do I want to go to?’ should be the first question, for every path is designed to take us somewhere. No serious traveller sets out without having some idea where he is going, and therefore the destination is signed at the beginning and many roads are named by where they lead to.The foolish man chooses his path on the basis of earthly considerations. Will it lead to honour from men? Will it lead to enrichment? Will it lead to power and influence? Does it please his earthly tastes? But the wise man chooses on the basis of far more important considerations. Is this choice consistent with God’s commandments as far as he understands them? Will it make it easier to obey God or not? Will it lead to opportunities to serve the Lord? Is there any specific guidance from the Lord on this subject? Will it lead to deeper understanding of the word of God? It is the consideration of these right things that will lead him to the right destination. The Lord sees that this man or this woman is concerned to please him and is thinking about how to do so. He therefore overrules in a thousand ways to ensure they come to the good destination that he has prepared for them. Even if they seem to be disadvantaged along the way, God will not allow that disadvantage to affect them. They cannot see how they will reach their end, but that is where they aim at, and this guides them in their immediate next step.The foolish man who chooses his own path in life without thinking about the Lord’s will for him, finds that his way leads to death. How does he arrive at such a dreadful end when he thought he was traveling to such a different one? In his case, God works all things together for evil to them that do not love God, to them who are not the called according to his purpose.