Mortals strive, God decides

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post, dated November 12, 2008, in the archives, where I introduce myself and the blog.

Thursday, September 10, 2009
Devotions: Proverbs 16

Mortals make plans, but God decides and directs our steps; we do our best, but God weighs the spirit. Commit your work to YHWH, and He will establish your plans! Everything that exists, God has made for a purpose—even the wicked. Arrogance enrages God, and will be punished. Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness; godly fear helps us avoid evil. When a man pleases God, the Lord makes reconciles him even with his enemies. Better little with righteousness than great income with injustice. God anoints leaders to do justice, and He establishes fair weights and measures. God hates evil rulers. Righteous talk delights a godly ruler. A king’s wrath brings death, so a wise man appeases it. Life is in the king’s favor, like clouds that bring spring rains. Prefer wisdom and understanding to gold and silver. The upright are on a highway that avoids evil, and it preserves their lives. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to share humility with the poor than to divide spoils with the proud. Who heeds God’s word prospers; who trusts YHWH is happy. Heart-wisdom discerns, and pleasant speech persuades. Wisdom is a fountain of life, and folly the chastisement of fools. A wise mind speaks judiciously and persuasively. Pleasant words, like honey, bring sweetness to the soul and liveliness to the body. Some paths look right to a man, but lead to death. We work because we hunger. Worthless men plot evil, and their speech scorches like fire. Perverse people spread strife; gossipers divide close friends. Violent people entice their neighbors into evil. Sly folks plan perversity, and tight-lipped people bring forth evil. White hair is a glorious crown, gained by a righteous life. One slow to anger is greater than the mighty; one who rules himself than he two conquers a city. We cast lots, but God decides!