Proverbs 16:1-4 A Plan For Everything
Verse 1 – The King James Version translates this verse, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.” God is the one who prepares our heart to hear His Word. He is the one who changes our heart from death to life. He is the one who gives us the faith and the words to confess that faith. And He is the one who causes us to grow in that faith daily. Does this mean we are not responsible for what we do? No. We still have the duty to do what is right, but only God can give us the strength to do it. But He promises that those who seek grace and strength and help will find it.
Verse 2 – If man were allowed to judge himself, he’d be very lenient, making excuses for all his sins. Even if an unbeliever admits he’s a sinner, he doesn’t think his sin is that bad. But to God all sin is bad, and He sees the heart, the secret sin, the inward thoughts, the motives that drive us to do what we do. Do you realise what a sinner you are?
Verse 3 – What does it mean to commit what you do to the Lord? It means to hand it over to Him, to live your life for Him not for yourself. If you do everything out of a desire to bring Him glory, to obey Him, your plans will succeed. Form the habit of constantly praying to God about all that you do, that He use it for His glory and service, then in any trouble or crisis, you will instantly turn to Him with that situation and find the peace that comes from knowing your life is in His hands.
Verse 4 – This verse seems to follow on verse 3. God has a plan and a purpose for everything. Even the destruction of the wicked brings glory to Him and is part of His plan. Is God the author of sin? No. Can He bring glory to Himself out of it? Yes.
Questions
- Who is the one who changes our hearts and causes our faith to grow?
- How can we commit all we do to the Lord?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is in control of everything.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.