Proverbs on Divine Direction (2nd)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (16:9) Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails. (19:21) We would all be in agreement that careful planning is prudent, and those who go through life without careful plans are foolish and irresponsible (1:32, 6:6-11, 14:15, 15:22, 20:4) Even worldly wisdom has its own proverb: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail The point of these two proverbs is the priority and superiority of Gods direction even though we are prepared, we welcome Gods leading even when it overrides our best plans A similar proverb teaches that even when our words are most carefully prepared, ultimately we rely on God to direct us in what we say to humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue (19:21) Jesus prayer in Gethsemane powerfully demonstrates that Gods will is best , and as an act of faith it should be our hearts desire yet not My will, but Yours be done (Luke 22:42) The second proverb above (21) proclaims the sovereignty of God, the superiority of His direction, and that He works all things for good for it is the Lords purpose that prevails The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. (21:1) Pilate said to Jesus, Dont you realize I have power either to free You or to crucify You? Jesus responded: You would have no power over Me if it were not give to you from above (John 19:10-11) No human authority exists that is not either established by God or allowed by God even those allowed to reign for a short time as instruments of wrath (Romans 9:22) Though we live in a sinful, fallen world, the Bible displays the heart of God: He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (II Peter 3:9) The kings heart is ultimately under Gods sovereign control, who transforms evil to good (Gen 50:20), who works all things to good (Rom 8:28), and desires all to repent (I Tim 2:4) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (14:12) All a mans ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. (16:2) All a mans ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. (21:2-3) The scriptures consistently teach that the assertion of self leads to death (Genesis 2:17), whereas humbly submitting to God and trusting Him leads to life (Romans 8:1-2) Speaking for God, Moses gives the Israelites a choice: I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses; now choose life, so that you and your childr en may live (Deut 30:19) The New Testament version is taught by Paul: The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6) Solomon lays out this all-important choice of life to his son in early in the Pro verbs: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (3:5) We have the same choice do we rely on ourselves or trust God? The result of acknowledging Him in all our ways? He makes our paths straight (3:6)