Proverbs 21:2

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the
hearts" (Proverbs 21:2 NASB). Moses warned Israel not to do what was right
in their own eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8). Despite this warning, during the time
period of the judges everyone did what was right in their own eyes and
consequently brought Israel to a state of deep depravity (cf. Judges 17:6,
21:25). Following after what looks and seems right to us is a dangerous
guide that leads to corruption and death (cf. Proverbs 14:12, 16:25). Far
too many today have bought into the notion there is no absolute moral right
or wrong. This leaves only situation ethics and following after what is
right in your own eyes. It results in refusing to listen to truth when it is
presented. It results in turning away from God. Only fools behave this way
(Proverbs 12:15). God knows our hearts. It does not matter how much we
justify our actions, if they are wrong it is a sign of a corrupt heart (cf.
Mark 7:20-23). There is an absolute moral right and wrong and it is set
forth by the only One who is absolutely morally right--God. We cannot follow
after what is right to us, we must follow after what God has declared right.
We cannot follow after what seem true to us, we must follow the truth of God's
Word (cf. John 17:17). See also: A Proverb for the Day (16:2)

Jeremy Sprouse |