Readings in Proverbs
Proverbs – Day 31
Day 31: The path of life – part 2 These proverbs caution us against ourselves. We have our plans and desires that we wish to see come true, but it […]
Day 31: The path of life – part 2
These proverbs caution us against ourselves. We have our plans and desires that we wish to see come true, but it is the LORD who is sovereign (Prov. 16:9). James says to us: ‘Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance (James 4:13-16).”’
There are situations in life that defy explanation, such as a fool living in luxury (Prov. 19:10) and although there is much mystery (Prov. 20:24), we trust that the LORD wisely governs all things (Prov. 19:21). God is sovereign over all things, even casting a lot (Prov. 16:33). Therefore, in the mysteries of life may we learn to rest our souls in Him.
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
– Prov. 16:1
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
– Prov. 16:7
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
– Prov. 16:9
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
– Prov. 16:25
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
– Prov. 16:33
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
– Prov.19:10
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
– Prov. 19:21
A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?
– Prov. 20:24
The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.
– Prov. 21:8
One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
– Prov. 21:16
O Sovereign Lord, we often are bewildered and confused by life, but we trust that You are good and You are sovereign. In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are assured of Your goodness through the bewilderments of life.
Lord, we do not know what tomorrow will bring and may that drive pride from our hearts.
Humble us and fill us with gratitude and trust in You.
Amen.
– Graham Barnes
