Standing Guard Against What Seems Right

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:8–10; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 18:17 

Col 2:8  See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.  

Pro 14:12  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.   

Pro 18:17  The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.  

Thoughts 

Paul has just reminded the Colossians that they are rooted and established in Christ, and because of that firm foundation, they don’t have to be shaken by teachings that sound logical but pull them away from the truth. The false teachers in their day were urging believers to return to the law. Their arguments sounded reasonable (Col. 2:4), but they didn’t align with Christ. 

Paul warns them not to be taken captive by “philosophy and empty deceit”—ideas built on human tradition and worldviews that leave God out. Scripture is clear: there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is death (Prov. 14:12). And Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that the first explanation we hear often sounds right—until someone examines it. 

It reminds me of when I first started playing disc golf. I watched a well‑known professional who had big wins and a huge following. Everything he said seemed right. But years later, slow‑motion analysis revealed that what he described wasn’t actually what was happening in the throw. He was teaching what it felt like he was doing, not what was truly going on. I tried to follow his instructions, but unknowingly, I was doing it wrong. It was exactly what Proverbs says—something can seem right until it’s examined. 

Today,other coaches have corrected the terminology and clarified what’s really happening in the mechanics. But many players are still unknowingly passing along the old philosophy because it’s what they were taught. 

Spiritually, the stakes are far higher. It’s not just about struggling on the course—it’s about truth, deception, and eternity. Many teachings sound plausible because they fit a person’s worldview rather than God’s Word. That’s why Paul urges believers to stay grounded in Christ and to test everything. 

My encouragement: Vet the voices you listen to. Be like the Bereans—search the Scriptures to see if what you’re hearing is true. That includes these devotions. Measure everything by God’s Word, not by how convincing it may sound. 

Reflection #1 

Where might you be relying on what “seems right” instead of what God has clearly said in His Word? 

Reflection #2 

What practices help you stay rooted and established in Christ so you can recognize deception immediately? 

Think about these things as we throw to the glory of God. 

Prayer 

Holy Father, teach us to be more discerning in what we read and listen to so that we can follow You more closely. 

Steve Franklin PDGA #194303