Proverbs 16

Plans

"Plans are worthless; planning is priceless." (paraphrase of a Pres. Eisenhower quote).

There are several notable verses on plans in this chapter.  The last verse puts our plans in perspective, "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall."  We plan and make plans and the reality is that despite our most sincere effort, and despite the amount of money and time we invest, we still must depend on the Lord for a correct outcome.  "We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer." (16:1).  Thus, our plans must be in concert with His will, otherwise we arrive at the "wrong" answer.

Many times are plans do not resonate with the will of God or the Word of God.  We proceed while asking God to bless and be with us, knowing we are out of His will. "People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives." (16:2). Why are we making plans?  What end is desired? Have we weighed the risks and counted the cost?  Did we seek the mind of the Lord first or just proceed with hobnailed shoes where angels fear to trod? Yes, the Lord has a permissive will, but it comes at a great cost.  We want His perfect will. "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." (16:3).

There are those times when the Lord is silent, when He expects us to step out in faith.  This is not the permissive will of the Lord, this is a testing time, to see if you really do have the faith you profess. This is the time when the Lord finds out if you believe in His grace and trust in His mercy.  "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." (16:9).  We pray and ask for His guidance, we make our plans, then we let Him direct us.

My God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.