Proverbs: The Art of Wise LivingSample

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. — Proverbs 16:1

Reflection: As you look at the hurt faces around the table, you are flabbergasted. How could things have gone so wrong? Didn’t you just want the best for everyone? Why can’t they see what you see? Why don’t they want to make the decisions you think are best?

Whether you are a parent, child, sibling, employee, or friend, you most likely have found yourself in a similar situation — a time when you acted on your own wisdom, only to realize your idea or solution was not received well. In these moments, our good intentions often come across as controlling, even though it might not seem like it. This is not pleasing to God, and Scripture says a lot about why this conduct is not favorable in His sight.

Throughout Proverbs 16, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty and His views on prideful behavior. The verses in this chapter paint a vivid picture of the importance of humbly bringing every care and thought before God. They emphasize making sure our speech is kind and encouraging, and that, if we are in positions of authority, we act with fairness. God knows how to achieve the best outcome, and our job is to trust Him to do His work and not to meddle or inflate our own importance.

This is easier said than done because we constantly wrestle with our own pride, but if we understand the magnitude of Proverbs 16:33 — that God controls everything, even things we think of as luck or chance — we would suddenly stop interfering and surrender everything to Him. Then by doing so, we align ourselves with His will and receive His blessings.

Prayer: Lord, I need Your mercy now more than ever. You alone are God, and if I had any true understanding of Your greatness, I would never step outside of Your will. Help me conform my ways to Your ways. Help me walk with godly integrity, responding with love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control in all situations.

Create in me a clean heart and a steadfast spirit so that my words and actions reflect the true righteousness of Your Son, Jesus. Teach me true humility and meekness and help me serve others for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.