Who is Wise?

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from God.

Proverbs 16:1 (WEB)

I think one of the most extraordinary things about following Christ faithfully, is watching what He does with the plans that believers make.

“He knows the way that I take.”

Job 23:10

Making plans is not wrong. In fact, we should plan for our days. But devotion to our Savior helps us plan in a way that helps us always spot Him at work in our world. He often brings committed followers into the lives of others who need Him. He lets us join Him in His wonderful work of the Gospel.

Can you think of a Bible character who stepped outside of God’s plan and met disaster?

Well, there are many. I bet at least some of you immediately thought of Jonah.

But think of the Bible characters who made plans by first considering God’s way and sticking to it. Their ways were filled with blessing and hardship.

“He knows what’s around the bend. That is enough for me.”

Joy Lee

God never left them.

Their lives always were testimonies of God’s grace and devotion. They did not regret following God’s way. They have found their place in God’s story.

Take some time and do a Bible study on several of these characters who remained faithful to God’s way. Why not study some of the lesser-known saints. Each name below is linked to an article at gotquestions.org but always measure other resources by God’s Word. Each article links to scripture for ease of comparison.

Jabez, Bezalel, Phoebe, Chloe, Joanna, Priscilla, Acquilla, Josiah, Nathan, Ebed-Melech, Mordecai and Jethro.

So, let’s take a look at a few more verses from our study of Proverbs this week. Do you see the theme of Godly planning?

When you have a moment, go back and read the remaining verses in this passage, too.

All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs motives. Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.

Proverbs 16:2-4 (CSB)

A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 (CSB)

The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.

Proverbs 16:20 (CSB)

So here is how to stay in God’s perfect will and allow Him to plan your steps.

 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. The second is like this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31 (CSB)

“For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.”

James 4:15 (CSB)

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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