Day 30 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 16:1-17
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2 All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. 4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster. 5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. 7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. 8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. 9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. 10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. 11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making. 12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. 14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. 15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What do verses 1-3 and 9 teach about the relationship between our plans and God's sovereignty, and how does this impact your current decisions?
- Which proverbs about pride and righteousness (verses 5-8) challenge areas where you might be trusting in yourself rather than God?
- How do the proverbs about honest speech and justice reveal God's character, and what idols of control or deception might they expose in your life?
- What does verse 16 say about the value of wisdom, and how does this compare to what you spend most of your time pursuing?
- How do these proverbs point us to Jesus, who perfectly committed his way to the Father and whose steps were fully established by God?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer: Father, I bring my plans to you today, knowing that you alone establish my steps. Help me to commit my work, my relationships, and my future to you. Give me a heart that values wisdom more than wealth and righteousness more than gain. Show me where pride has taken root, and teach me to walk humbly in your ways. Thank you that in Jesus, my steps are secure. Amen.