Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
NIV · New International Version
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
WEB · World English Bible
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
What does Proverbs 14:12 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 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…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 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, external performances, partial reformations, and blind zeal; this they imagine will bring them to heaven; they flatter themselves in their own eyes that all will be well at last. 2. Their end is really…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 14:9–15 (WEB)
9Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will. 10The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger. 11The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 13Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness. 14The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways. 15A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
Cross references
- Proverbs 16:25
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
- Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it.
- Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
- Galatians 6:3
For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
- Luke 13:24
“Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
- Romans 6:21
What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
- Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.
- James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.