I love the powerful teaching of Proverbs, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death“ (Proverbs 14:12).

While I love this verse, I also find it sometimes frightening. I don’t want to be on the wrong side of what “seems right to a person.”

Life is filled with all kinds of things that “seem right.“ It is also filled with all kinds of times when what seemed right was absolutely the worst thing I could do.

How do I get beyond what seems or feels right? How do I get to being under the favor of God?

What I’m about to write is not the final conclusion, but here are some areas that will help you make wise, godly decisions.

First, make a commitment that you want to please God in all things. Many of our wrong decisions are because we’ve never made the basic decision of seeking to please God. We are still in the habit of pleasing ourselves. As long as self is more important than God, we will continue on the way of death. Often, what seems right to a person is simply what feels good with no regard to truth, godly leadership, or Scripture. Leaving these things out keeps us from God‘s direction.

Second, we need to be people who are well taught in the Word of God. This needs to be self-teaching, and it needs to be the teaching of a strong, biblical church. We need other people who will show us the right way by example and talk with us about the ways that please God.

Third, we need prayer. This kind of prayer needs to be direct and open to hearing as well as talking. Many of my most significant times of prayer are when I patiently listen for God‘s voice, allowing Him to speak in terms of my life and His truth.

Finally, before you make major, life-changing decisions, seek godly counsel and give it serious consideration. God‘s Word contains spiritual principles which must be known and followed. Do this and you will move toward life rather than death.

Doing all these things takes the fear out of Proverbs 14:12 and replaces fear with the joy of seeking God with all your heart.