Scripture Reading(s)
Proverbs 16:1-9
The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice.
9 The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.
Reflections
This Proverb depicts how God’s hand is involved in every detail of our lives. It shows how His authority reigns over how this world is run and each step that we take is carefully planned out by a loving God. It also gives us the encouraging thought that everything that takes place in this world and in our lives, is done for a purpose. Nothing in this world happens by mistake and we can trust that God is always at work to bring about the best for our lives.
What we can take from this Proverb is that each moment we live out, God is always at the centre of it. Our lives should strive to represent Christ and live our lives as a shinning example to the rest of the world. God is constantly looking at the hearts of those who aim to live for Him. Whether it is pursuing a career, marriage, or ministry, all that we do should be driven by a heart that is pure and genuinely looking to please God.
This proverb also speaks to how there will be moments in our lives when we face trials and hard times. Even in those circumstances, God is still very much present and all that is happening has been planned out by Him. This proverb provides for us an all encompassing picture of who God is in terms of how we ought to live and the control He has over this world.
Let us daily pursue living for Him and place Him at the center of hearts so when we take steps in life, He is the one that will be directly leading and guiding us to live for Him and His Glory.
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