God in His great wisdom provides helpful tests by which we can measure whether our actions are in accordance to His will. This passage outlines one of the most helpful tests, or indicators, we will ever have in life. It’s actually very simple. The word “strange” in the passage has the connotation of estrangement. The word “right” is a carpentry word meaning “straight or level.” Combine these two concepts. What is my behavior producing? Estrangement or confirmation? Rebuke or affirmation? Due to our selfish inclination by nature, we are easily self-deceived. “The way of man is right in his own eyes…” One of God’s greatest tools to protect us from self-deception are the Godly people He surrounds us with in His kingdom. If we are increasingly estranged from those in His kingdom, then we can be assured that it is time to look in the mirror. On the other hand, if our behavior is level, the affirmation and encouragement we receive from the people of God will be an encouragement to press on in righteousness. While the test is simple, the application is difficult. The easy way and the foolish way is to blame our estrangement on everything and everyone else except me. But in doing this, we forfeit God’s own gift of grace in this simple test.