How can we identify when our own way is "right in his own eyes"? The Straightforward Truth of Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” Warning Signs We May Be “Right in Our Own Eyes” • Self-reliance that resists outside input—“A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.” (Proverbs 15:12) • Dismissing Scripture that conflicts with our plans—“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7) • Justifying sin by redefining it—“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20) • Comparing ourselves only to people worse off—“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives.” (Proverbs 16:2) • Reacting defensively to loving correction—“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1) • Neglecting prayerful dependence—“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Practical Tests to Expose Self-Directed Living • The Scripture Test—Am I filtering every choice through God’s Word, or using Scripture as after-the-fact support? (Psalm 119:105) • The Counsel Test—Have I invited godly, Bible-saturated people to speak freely into this decision? (Proverbs 11:14) • The Fruit Test—Is the outcome marked by the Spirit’s fruit or by confusion and strife? (Galatians 5:22-23) • The Motive Test—Am I seeking God’s glory or my own advancement? (1 Corinthians 10:31) • The Obedience Test—Does this path require compromise with sin or complete submission to Christ? (Luke 6:46) Steps to Return to Wisdom 1. Repent—Acknowledge any self-rule and turn back to the Lord. (Acts 3:19) 2. Re-saturate—Immerse your mind in clear passages that confront your blind spot. (Hebrews 4:12) 3. Re-submit—Yield the final say to God’s revealed will, even if it overturns cherished plans. (James 4:7) 4. Re-connect—Restore fellowship with believers who will lovingly hold you accountable. (Hebrews 10:24-25) 5. Re-calibrate—Build regular rhythms of counsel and correction into your life before major decisions arise. (Proverbs 27:17) Ongoing Safeguards • Daily Scripture intake shapes instinctive thinking. • Consistent prayer keeps the heart humble. • Active church participation places you under shepherding oversight. • Periodic fasting sharpens spiritual perception. • A documented life plan reviewed with mentors maintains alignment with God’s priorities. Living the Contrast Foolishness insists, “I’ve got this.” Wisdom confesses, “God, search me.” When we habitually choose the second posture, we swap the peril of self-deception for the safety of divine direction—and prove ourselves wise in the only eyes that ultimately matter. |
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