GOD ESTABLISHES PLANS

Passage: Proverbs 16:1-9

Key verse: 3

NIV

16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.(A)

2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,(B)
    but motives are weighed(C) by the Lord.(D)

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.(E)

4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end(F)—
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.(G)

5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.(H)
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.(I)

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
    through the fear of the Lord(J) evil is avoided.(K)

7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
    he causes their enemies to make peace(L) with them.(M)

8 Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(N) with injustice.(O)

9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.(P)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but (A)the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 (B)All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord (C)weighs the spirit.[a]
3 (D)Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.
4 (E)The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even (F)the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is (G)an abomination to the Lord;
    (H)be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By (I)steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by (J)the fear of the Lord one (K)turns away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the Lord,
    (L)he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 (M)Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
9 (N)The heart of man plans his way,
    but (O)the Lord establishes his steps.

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Footnotes
  1. Proverbs 16:2 Or spirits
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Planning out a course to achieve a goal or to get somewhere in life can be good and necessary. We frequently make plans, whether big or small. Our hearts form our plans. We may believe that our motives and ways are pure (2a). But we must also know and accept that God is sovereign over all our human plans. He knows our hearts and motivations better than ourselves. We must guard our hearts against pride (5). In the end, the outcome of our plans belongs to God.

Therefore, whatever we plan to do, we are encouraged to commit it to the LORD. The LORD is the one who establishes our plans and steps (3,9). This does not mean that the result will always be what we had originally planned or hoped. It means that we conform our plans and thoughts to God’s plans and God’s will. Our faith is in God, not our plans. Our faith is that the LORD works out everything to its proper end (4a). We trust that God works for the good of those who love him (Ro 8:28).

Will you invite God into your plans and seek his will? Will you, as a first priority, delight in the LORD and commit your plans to him? Then God will establish your plans and give you the desires of your heart (3, Ps 37:4-6).

Prayer: Father, thank you for establishing our plans and steps. Help me to commit my plans to you.

One Word: Commit to the LORD whatever you do