Proverbs 19

PROVERBS 19

"Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel (or purpose) of the LORD will stand.
What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep (abide) satisfied, untouched by evil."
(vs 21-23)

Brings to mind one of my favorite songs ~

"All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands...

For it’s only in Your will that I am free...

Jesus, all for Jesus, All I am and have and ever hope to be."
(Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast)


As we’ve seen often in the Proverbs, when we make plans without consulting the Lord, or walk in ways that are not His, trouble is close behind.

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
- Prov 14:12, 16:25

Scripture tells us we will be judged by the paths we’ve planned & walked on... by our deeds... according to our ways.

"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jer 17:10 (and repeated at least 10 times in the New Testament, under the New Covenant)

"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." - Heb 4:13

May the ways we choose to walk contain Life, lacking not the Presence of the Lord. May they be plans that stand by His counsel, and come to bear Eternal fruit.


Dear friends, God has His own plan for each one of us. Indeed His plan may very well include the things we hope for and desire, yet He wants us to commit our ambitions, hopes and plans to Him. For when we walk on His paths... do as He has commanded... and follow His ways... then we find ourselves fulfilling His desire for our lives, His perfect will. We do this as we surrender our will and ways to Him, and trust not in our Adamic nature.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2

As we come before Him daily, seeking His face, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, turning from the lusts of the world, and waiting upon Him... He asks to be a light to those around us, to love our neighbor, to walk humbly with Him, to show kindness and mercy.

"What is desirable in a man is his kindness."
(vs 22a)

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - Rom 12:10-13

Indeed this has been His command since the beginning.

"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God." - Mic 6:8 (NAS)

May these things be true of each of us, I pray.

God’s wisdom and understanding to all,

Michael


He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of his ways will die.
(vs 16)