Lux Domini
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What does Proverbs 14:12 mean?

The ways of carelessness, of worldliness, and of sensuality, seem right to those that walk in them; but self-deceivers prove self-destroyers. See the vanity of carnal mirth.

Key themes

Anxiety and fearWisdomJustice and mercyFear of the Lord

Read with

Keep this verse inside Proverbs 14:11-12 and alongside a few nearby related passages.

Commentary on Proverbs 14:12

A way ... - The way of the fool, the way of self-indulgence and self-will.

Key words

seemeth

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,.

right

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,.

Context in Proverbs 14

Show chapter context

Proverbs 14 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as Solomonic proverb collections. Proverbs offers compact instruction on speech, work, wealth, friendship, sex, discipline, justice, and wisdom as a way of life before God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.

wisdomfear of the Lordspeechdiscipline

Explore by topic

Bible verses about anxiety and fear

Verses for readers searching for biblical language about fear, worry, troubled thoughts, and the call to trust God under pressure.

Bible verses about wisdom

Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.

Bible verses about justice and mercy

Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.