A fool: “I’ll do it my own way.” A mocker: “You’re a fool to not do it my way.” A wise person: “Jesus, let’s do it YOUR way!”

[12] There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Where do we even come up with the idea that we can know the right way?

• We KNOW we have an enemy: Satan and his horde.
• We KNOW that he is the god of this world (John 12:31, 16:11, Eph. 2:2, 1 John 4:4, 5:19).
• We KNOW we can do nothing on our own: John 15:4-5 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

So, why do we INSIST on doing things on our own and in our own knowledge and strength?

Proverbs 14:3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

Ah, now we know the reason: PRIDE! We want what we want when we want it–our way!

Let’s give thought to our ways today (v. 8) and consider this verse:

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Let’s enjoy our journey as we abide in Jesus today!