Proverbial Teachings: Chapter 16 Verses On Ways

When looking closer,
the people as islands
and the islands themselves
can be seen for what they are.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, 

   but motives are weighed by the Lord. 

      Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 

   and He will establish your plans. 

      The Lord works out everything to its proper end — 

         even the wicked for a day of disaster. 

            When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, 

         He causes their enemies to make peace with them. 

      In their hearts humans plan their course, 

         but the Lord establishes their steps. 

            The highway of the upright avoids evil; 

         those who guard their ways preserve their lives. 

      Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, 

   and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. 

      There is a way that appears to be right, 

   but in the end it leads to death. 

- Proverbs 16: 2-4, 7, 9, 17, 20, 25

Consider the phrase “I am right.”

When it is expressed properly, it is one of the truest things that can be stated.

When that phrase considers 'who' is the I Am, it is quite proper indeed.

“I Am right”... or clearer still “I Am is right.”

When that phrase does not acknowledge the I Am, often times the sentiment falls short of its full intention... and the warnings and teachings in this set of proverbial verses are unclear to the person who dismisses the Lord their God.

But submission to God's teaching, being always open to His suggestions (subtle or obvious and however they may be), considering always your thoughts and words and actions, God's hand is to move in your life.

We as individuals may desire a particular course, and may even consider our choices to be according to what God may desire for us... but often times even our best and most innocent of intentions may be altered, edited, or not what God had planned for us.

The religiously minded, I think, has the most difficult time coming to a resolve regarding this.

The righteous minded, I think, is likely accustomed to following the slightest notions of the Spirit.

The religious may be quick to pursue a title, while the righteous may shy away from any title besides child of God.

Humility.