Proverbs 14:12

Of death. The ways of death here spoken of are not entered into blindly or thoughtlessly. They are chosen with the assurance that they at least seem to be proper under the circumstances. The warning is against trusting to the guidance of the conscience without checking the conscience constantly against the teaching of the Word of God. Many men have persuaded themselves that God will accept a substitute for His precise requirements, only to find that they have lost all. The Roman governor Pilate presents an outstanding example. While he was probably not familiar with the written word, the living Word Himself instructed him by voice and example. The governor thought that he could compromise with evil and still retain his wealth and position, but his compromise led to disgrace and death (Matt. 27:11-26).