“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12
A door can look inviting—a bright welcome sign, a polished handle, and the promise of something better beyond it. But just because a door is open doesn’t mean it leads to God’s best. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Sometimes what glitters isn’t gold; it’s simply a distraction that pulls us from God’s purpose.
Paul experienced this firsthand. In Acts 16:6-7, he and his companions tried to enter several regions to preach, but “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them.” Even though their mission was noble, God closed those doors to guide them toward the place where He intended to bring the greatest fruit. A door can be good in appearance, yet not God’s will for your assignment or timing.
Think of a hallway lined with many doors. Some open easily; others remain locked. From your limited viewpoint, you can’t see which ones lead to life and which to a dead end. But God, like a wise architect, knows the blueprint of your destiny. Revelation 3:7 describes Jesus as the One “who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one can open.” He alone knows which doors will grow your character and fulfill His purpose.
Waiting for God’s confirmation can be uncomfortable, especially when an opportunity seems urgent or exciting. Yet Isaiah 30:21 promises, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” The pause is not punishment—it is protection. As we stay in prayer and in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit trains our hearts to recognize His voice so that when the right door swings open, we can step through it with confidence and peace.
Prayer,
Lord, You are the One who orders my steps and directs my path. Give me sharp spiritual discernment to recognize the doors that are from You and the courage to walk away from those that are not. When opportunities seem appealing but lack Your blessing, help me to pause and seek Your wisdom. Teach me to trust Your timing and Your plan, believing that every closed door protects me and every open door You ordain will lead me closer to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.