The Plans of Our Heart

The sixteenth chapter of proverbs is filled with instruction about our hearts. We are told to submit our plans to the Lord and watch Him establish our steps. The chapter contrasts those who are arrogant in heart with those who are humble in heart.. those who do worthless acts and those who are filled with acts of wisdom. 

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established." (v1-3) "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." (v9)

In these verses we see a contrast between the roles of man and those God. They seem to indicate that it is good for a man to have plans as long as man realizes that God has the last word on our plans. Also present is the idea that we do not always know our motives.. sometimes God will reject our plans if our motives are not right. I love how it says that God's goal is to establish those plans that we have submitted to Him. In these verses we see how we and He work together to brings His plans in our heart to pass.

"The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil. When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (v4-7)

Again we see that the Lord is cognizant of each human heart. He wants to be in relationship with each of us yet some spurn Him and pursue wickedness instead. In arrogance humans reject the Lord who loves them and desires to forgive them and share His love with them. To such that return God's love to Him in worship He gives atoning blessings of peace.

"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice." (v8)

Solomon lays bare greedy motives bare. I have often said that for some wealth is more of a curse than a blessing. If we love money then it is better that we do not have it. If we love God then He will supply all we need.

"It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain." (v12-15)

The Lord cares about how people use the power and authority that they have. The old adage, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely", is a true one.. corruption is imminent when people do not submit themselves to God and others. I have found this particularly true in the church. Senior pastors were removed from their positions in three of the last four churches I have been involved with. I so wish that they would have humbled themselves when elders confronted them.

"The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD." (v16-20)

I have found that in God's economy humility is not an option.. you either humble yourself or God will do it for you.. and the latter often looks like humiliation. Interesting how evil and pride seem to be linked together.. humility and trusting God also seem to go hand-in-hand.

"The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (21-24)

Jesus said that we speak what is abundantly in our heart. It instructs me to do things that will strengthen my heart and make it wise. I think that a good regimen of spiritual food and exercise will give us strong hearts that will speak wise, sweet, judicious and gracious words.

"A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass." (v27-30)

Interesting how graphically these verses describe "a worthless man".. evil planning.. scorching speech.. spreading strife.. coming between friends.. leading folks astray.. and winking at dishonesty.

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." (v31-32)

These verses speak to us about how God sees those who persevere and live temperate lives. I have been a believer since I was 26 but I think that I started to really live a more spiritual life when gray came to my hair.. there is something about age that can mature us spiritually if we persevere with Jesus. My issues with anger began to resolve as my heart became stronger than my emotions.. not that I am anger-free :)

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." (v33)

A great verse to end the chapter on.. God will always have the last word on our lives.. His grace will always trump our failings.. He decision will prevail.

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