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The saying that men need to hear things twice can make seeing the following truth identically repeated in Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 rather humorous: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." However, this repetition is incredibly important, for it stresses how serious this warning is for all people, especially believers. While we are safe from the way to eternal death that unbelievers are unfortunately on, we are still vulnerable to falling into unfruitfulness and other consequences when we live according to what we in our flesh believe is best for us or for our service to God.
This unproductive way of living is contrasted with the fruitfulness of following Christ in John 21:1-6. Here, some of His disciples went out on their own accord to fish, only to catch nothing all night. However, their situation dramatically changed when Jesus came and commanded them to cast their nets on the right side of their boat. Only after obeying Him did their work not only bear fruit, but also became so prosperous that their net was too full and heavy to haul in. As this account demonstrates, the abundant fruitfulness that God desires for our spiritual growth and service to Him can only come when we wholeheartedly obey Him and lay aside what we in our soul-life believe is right or best.
Thankfully, this obedience will become habitual as we apply Scriptural truths concerning it to our lives. For example, it requires us to heed Proverbs 3:5-6, which call us to follow God's perfect wisdom over our understanding. While choosing the latter leads to unprofitable and ungodly decisions, the former will always direct us in the path God desires in His best for us. Next, our obedience to Christ will increase when we conform to Psalm 37:5's command to wholeheartedly commit our lives to God. Selfishly living for ourselves displeases Him and greatly hinders His work in our lives; conversely, an obedient life makes us available to fruitfully serve Him. Finally, we must note Jesus' statement in Luke 11:28 concerning the blessedness that requires us to both hear and obey God's Word. Any belief or behavior of ours that contradicts Scripture must be surrendered; otherwise, these will damage our witness and ability to spiritually prosper. Thus, if we desire fruitfulness in our walk with and service to God, fully surrendering our human wisdom, selfish desires, unbiblical thinking, and carnal behaviors is mandatory.
As the disciples experienced in John 21:1-6, unfruitfulness occurs when we follow our own decisions, desires, and behavior patterns. If we earnestly desire Christ's abundant life, we must pursue a life of continual obedience and surrender to Him. Thankfully, this pursuit will become habitual as we continually align our thinking, will, and decisions with God's, seeking Him alone for the fruitfulness only He can provide.
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