MY LIFE IS DIRECTED BY THE LORD

Proverbs 20:18-30 / Keywords 20:24

A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

20:18 Plans are established by seeking advice;

    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

19 A gossip betrays a confidence;

    so avoid anyone who talks too much.

20 If someone curses their father or mother,

    their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

21 An inheritance claimed too soon

    will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”

    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.

23 The Lord detests differing weights,

    and dishonest scales do not please him.

24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.

    How then can anyone understand their own way?

25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly

    and only later to consider one’s vows.

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;

    he drives the threshing wheel over them.

27 The human spirit is[a] the lamp of the Lord

    that sheds light on one’s inmost being.

28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;

    through love his throne is made secure.

29 The glory of young men is their strength,

    gray hair the splendor of the old.

30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil,

    and beatings purge the inmost being.

Footnotes

a. Proverbs 20:27 Or A person’s words are

1. The end of Proverbs 20 leans towards having wisdom to live your life, knowing that God has directed your future (24). No one knows for certain what their future is. Five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years from now, the world and my life will be very different. Then what should I do? 

2. First, a wise ruler. A wise leader is key to a stable community. A ruler should have discernment and be firm (26, 28, 30). There can be no tolerance for wickedness, and there must be consequences for wrongdoing. When leadership is wise, clear, and accountable, those underneath can flourish. When a battle arises, a leader needs to seek out good advice to plan a strategy (18). Relying on power and numbers is not enough. A ruler needs allies and loyalists who provide love and support (28). 

3. Second, responsible members. We must avoid gossip, rebellion, greed, revenge, dishonesty, and rash promises, which break down a community. We need to guard our inner spirit to be strong and full of God’s light (27). Then, together, all members build a community that is healthy and secure no matter what changes arise in the future. 

Prayer Father, thank you for giving us wise rulers and community members. Help me to be personally responsible to do what is right and support leaders. Help us all to trust in God, who directs the future. 

One Word Wisdom to live my life, while trusting in God, who holds the future