30 Days in ProverbsNäide

When I was in my early twenties, I lived with four of my closest friends just off campus. We had just come out of a discipleship program at our church, and we were ready to take on life—full of excitement, hope, and, honestly, a little naivety.

I remember us sitting on those old wood floors for hours, a box of Wheat Thins between us, journals in hand, scribbling out dreams and plans for the future. We imagined careers, relationships, and adventures, all in the warm glow of friendship and dim overhead lights.

Most of those plans didn’t turn out the way we expected. And over time, I realized—truly in my heart, not just in my head—that no amount of planning prepares you for the life God has designed. Proverbs 16 reminds us of this truth. It talks about the heart’s preparations, the weight of our ways in God’s hands, and the wisdom of committing our plans to Him.

It’s a reminder that God holds the ultimate plan, path, and pace for our lives—something my dear friend Jennifer Edewaard captures beautifully: His plan. His path. His pace. We can dream and plan, and we should, but our focus shifts when we place Kingdom purpose above our own agendas. Even if we take a wrong turn, seeking God’s guidance ensures we are still moving toward His design.

Proverbs 16 also teaches the value of patience and self-control. It reminds us that being slow to anger and ruling our own spirit is more powerful than conquering a city. Life works better when we approach challenges with calm and steady hearts, trusting God rather than reacting impulsively.

And finally, this chapter celebrates trust. It’s simple, but profound: when we trust in the Lord, we find joy, peace, and true purpose. It’s a nudge to hand over control, lean into His timing, and walk confidently in the plans He’s weaving—plans far better than anything we could dream on our own.