RESOLUTIONS: Daily Reading Plan #1
Proverbs 16:9
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." - Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:1–9 reflects on the heart's intention to make plans and the Lord's rule over that planning. Committing one's ways to God, with reverence, is the wise way to make plans. The Lord has a purpose for everything He created (1 Timothy 4:4). This continues the main section of the book of Proverbs: a compilation of short, general-case statements of wisdom.
This echoes a similar proverb, recorded in verse 1 (Proverbs 16:1). A person can plan out every aspect of their life; yet God is the one who ultimately decides what will happen. New Testament writers such as Paul (Romans 9:20–21) and James (James 4:13–15) reinforce this idea. Nothing we intend can override God's will (Psalm 33:10; Job 42:2). That does not mean planning is wrong—but what we plan needs to be prepared in a spirit of humility and obedience.
Isaiah 53:6 describes human beings as sheep that have wandered away from God. We have all gone astray, and regardless of how intelligent a person is, "it is not in man who walks to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Nevertheless, if a person seeks God's will and walks by the Spirit in the light of God's Word, the Lord will approve and guide his steps. Paul's letter to the Ephesians gives good counsel about how believers should walk. It tells us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1), walk not "as [unbelievers] do, in the futility of their minds" (Ephesians 4:17), "walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2), "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), and walk wisely (Ephesians 5:15). Galatians 5:16 instructs us to "walk by the Spirit."
Proverbs 19:21
"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21
Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.
Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) understood the importance of sensible planning. He worked out a design to build a temple for the Lord. He arranged the building of an impressive house for himself. And he laid out gardens and infrastructures (1 Kings 3:1). He recognized the wisdom of consulting with others to make the best decisions (Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 20:18). He knew the value of diligence when making plans (Proverbs 14:15; 18:13, 15, 17). That starts with seeking God's will and His direction (Proverbs 3:5–6).
However, Solomon was wise enough to know that human plans are never guaranteed to work out. He observes here that only God's intents are destined to succeed. Likewise, the apostle James tells his readers not to be arrogant about their future designs. He doesn't condemn planning, but instead notes that it should be done in God-honoring humility. He counsels, "You ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:15).
Proverbs 27:1 sounds a similar warning: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." Psalm 37:3–5 provides pieces of a formula for successful planning: "Trust in the LORD," "Do good," "Delight yourself in the LORD," and "Commit your way to the LORD."
Reflection Questions
- What do these verses say about making plans?
- What do these verses call me to do as a result of taking them to heart?
