Proverbs 16:2 says, "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit" ESV.
People usually assume that they are doing the right thing. Most people assume or like to think that they are good people. It is true that God has placed in your conscience a compass from him. But, Romans one tells us that our culture, upbringing, and other influences can cause us to reject or turn off that God given conscience. The inference of Proverbs is that we may not realize how much we have turned off the compass.
Then, a person begins to read the Bible, God's Word. Soon we find, by reading and studying God's Word, that our goals, motivation, and means may be full of sin. If you want to live for God, you have to read and study his Word. Proverbs says that, "the Lord weighs the spirit." He is competent and has authority to judge each of us. He judges us by the truth and revelation of his Word.
Even people who claim Christ may not have their God given conscience re-awakened fully. We are in the process of un-learning old stuff. We are learning and re-learning new lessons from the Lord. Open God's Word. Study and learn the Scriptures. It is full of instruction, and full of promise for you if you will receive it.
Look next at Proverbs 16:20. It says, "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." Give thought to his Word, and give thought to your words. Then, trust God for the results of his blessing.
