Proverbs 14.12
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Here is a popular phrase you have likely heard many times: “Perception is reality.” Despite its popularity, this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Perception is not reality. In fact, sometimes perception is deception.
It is true that someone’s perception will influence how they see and respond to a situation, but it is not true that perception creates reality. Perception does not change the facts or reality of the situation.
There is great danger in equating our perception, opinion, or feelings about a situation with the reality of the situation. The truth is that we simply do not see as clearly or accurately as we think we do. This is why scripture puts such a strong emphasis on wisdom and discernment.
Throughout scripture we are admonished, encouraged, and commanded to build the discipline of discernment into our lives. We are called to see with clarity and respond with wisdom.
In addition to the verse at the top, the book of Proverbs has many verses admonishing the need for discernment:
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12.15))
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28.26)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3.5-7)
The prophet Jeremiah offers this warning:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind …” (Jeremiah 17.9-10)
As we saw yesterday in the first chapter of Philippians, the apostle prays that our love would be guided by knowledge and discernment. Other NT scriptures also emphasize the need for discernment:
“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5.10)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4.1)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issued this warning:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7.15-20)
Is the message sinking in?
Be wise. Be discerning. Seek the Lord and do not lean on your own understanding. Remember, sometimes perception is deception.
Coram Deo
