GOD ESTABLISHES PLANS

Proverbs 16:1-9 / Keywords 16:3

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

 

16:1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,

    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,

    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

    and he will establish your plans.

4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end—

    even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.

    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;

    through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,

    he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

8 Better a little with righteousness

    than much gain with injustice.

9 In their hearts humans plan their course,

    but the Lord establishes their steps.

1. Planning out a course to achieve a goal or to get somewhere in life can be good and necessary. We frequently make plans, whether big or small. Our hearts form our plans. We may believe that our motives and ways are pure (2a). But we must also know and accept that God is sovereign over all our human plans. He knows our hearts and motivations better than ourselves. We must guard our hearts against pride (5). In the end, the outcome of our plans belongs to God.

 

2. Therefore, whatever we plan to do, we are encouraged to commit it to the LORD. The LORD is the one who establishes our plans and steps (3,9). This does not mean that the result will always be what we had originally planned or hoped. It means that we conform our plans and thoughts to God’s plans and God’s will. Our faith is in God, not our plans. Our faith is that the LORD works out everything to its proper end (4a). We trust that God works for the good of those who love him (Ro 8:28).

 

3. Will you invite God into your plans and seek his will? Will you, as a first priority, delight in the LORD and commit your plans to him? Then God will establish your plans and give you the desires of your heart (3, Ps 37:4-6).

 

Prayer Father, thank you for establishing our plans and steps. Help me to commit my plans to you.

One Word Commit to the LORD whatever you do