Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

Who runs your world? Is it your parents, spouse, teachers, coaches, boss, friends, activities, or even your cell phone? Who is really in charge of you—your time, your mind, your heart? Proverbs 16 demands an answer to this question. The answer might change your life forever.

In verses 1-9, Solomon contrasts God's thoughts and ways with those of man. Verses 3 and 9 encourage us to give our thoughts, plans, and work to the Lord: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established…The mind of a man plans His way, but the Lord directs His steps." The promise is clear in these verses. We will have the support and counsel of Almighty God as we surrender our works and ways to Him. What a perfect foundation to live on, rather than one of our own strength. Each and every small act of obedience along the way is us exercising and living by faith.

Verses 10-15 echo Christ's teaching in Luke 12:48: "Great gifts, great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities." These verses stress the importance of leading with wisdom, justice, integrity, and righteousness. To be a truly effective leader, we must commit to wise and righteous living. We must ask for help from God in all this. Conversely, if we are being led, we must pray for those leading us. In reality, we are all both leading and following in some capacity. In either case, wisdom and integrity matter a lot to God.

Verses 16-24 explain beautifully that Godly wisdom developed in spiritual disciplines prepares our lives for His blessing. Throughout these verses, we recognize the many benefits of wisdom, such as discernment, prosperity, humility, and avoiding evil. There is nothing but good in this list. Seeking His wisdom results in deeper trust in God, His ways, and His promises. How much better our world would be if all of us searched wholeheartedly for God's wisdom!

In contrast, verses 25-30 show how twisted hearts and motives lead to evil, destruction, strife, perversion, slander, violence, and ultimately, death. We must all heed this warning and follow the path away from choices that could dramatically harm our lives.

Finally, verses 31-33 are a beautiful summary of the results of a life of righteousness and self-control. Let's encourage each other in the spiritual pursuit of God and His wisdom. It is a disciplined search that takes time, but it will bring strength, discernment, and peace that will positively affect our lives and those around us, now and forever.