Year One, June 25

The LORD Weighs the Spirit1

Let us learn a little from the wisdom of Solomon, from

  

Proverbs 16:1-16

1 The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

We are not able to think or say anything properly without God guiding us. This is especially true when we pray. We need to have our heart prepared and our mouth opened by the Spirit of all grace.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

but the LORD weighs the spirit.

We judge by looking on the surface or outward appearance. The Lord uses an infallible test. He puts everything into his perfect balances and arrives at a very different conclusion from ours.

3 Commit your work to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.

Both our physical and spiritual concerns will be safe when we place them in the Lord’s hands. Then the peace that comes from our faith, will give us a steady, calm, determined, and joyful state of mind.

4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Let the wicked oppose God all they want; he will make them serve some part in his plans.

5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;

be assured, he will not go unpunished.

The pride of the wicked makes them despicable, but their power cannot protect them. God will break up all godless nations and associations, however strong they may be.

6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the LORD,

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

The Lord often does this, as in the cases of Isaac and Abimelech, Jacob and Esau. But this truth must be qualified by another truth. The Lord’s enemies will not always be at peace with us, no matter how kind and pleasant we may be.

8 Better is a little with righteousness

than great revenues with injustice.

9 The heart of man plans his way,

but the LORD establishes his steps.

“Man proposes, but God disposes.”2 Napoleon sneered at this saying, and vowed that he would propose and dispose too, but his end was not far-off.

10 An oracle is on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgment.

This should be true. In King Solomon’s case it was true. But the opposite might be said of many other kings. There is one King, the Lord of all, concerning whom this is absolutely true.

11 A just balance and scales are the LORD’s;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

Justice should rule everywhere including in the courtroom and in everyday life.  Let us be very honest in all our relationships, because anything else displeases the Lord.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of a king’s face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

This is most true of the King of kings. His anger is death. His love is life. Those who enjoy the awareness of the favor of the Lord, know by experience the refreshing and comforting influence of his presence. To walk in the light of God’s acceptance is perfect happiness. To lose fellowship with God, brings bitter sorrow to his chosen.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Wisdom from God is better, much better than gold. No one can even imagine how much better. Gold can be earned by anyone, but only God can choose us, by his free grace, to be a part of his holy family. Gold is just a valuable piece of earth, but grace is the very heart of heaven. Gold is soon spent and gone. The more we use grace, the more grace we are given. Gold may be stolen from us, but no one can take grace away from us. Gold and silver cannot comfort us in death, but true wisdom can. The wealth of precious metals will be useless in eternity, but grace will make us glorious there. Lord, always give us understanding through your Holy Spirit!

           

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¹ Proverbs 16:2

² From Of the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis (1379-1471). An English translation from the Latin meaning: “Human beings can make any plans they want, but it is God who determines whether they succeed or fail.”