Proverbs 16

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (v25). As humans, we have an incredible capacity to justify our own behavior.  We quiet our consciences by explaining our actions until they “seem right” or pure (v2).  Because of tendency toward self-deception, the proverbs urge us to submit our desires, choices, and plans to God and follow His ways; otherwise the end is always death. 

God invites us to commit our work to Him (v3), to cooperate with Him and pursue His wisdom and righteousness, and to find “the fountain of life” we desire (v22).