Proverbs Day 16: “Make Plans, Throw Dice”
Scripture:
"We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer." – Proverbs 16:1 (NLT)
"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." – Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." – Proverbs 16:33 (NLT)
Reflection:
To plan or not to plan—that’s not the question. Planning, dreaming, and desiring are natural and important aspects of life. If we want to avoid being surprised by where we end up, we must make plans to prepare for our destination. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
However, Proverbs reminds us that while we can and should plan, dream, and desire, it is ultimately God who determines the outcomes. This means we must align and surrender our dreams and plans to the Lord, trusting Him to guide us. God holds the blueprint for our lives, and His purpose is woven into all creation (1 Timothy 4:4).
While we may carefully map out our lives, God decides what will ultimately happen. James reinforces this in James 4:13–15 (NLT):
"Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’”
Planning is essential, but it must be done with humility and a willingness to follow God’s will.
Let’s make plans with humility, surrender them to God, and trust Him to direct our steps for His glory
Questions to Reflect On:
- Do I actively plan and dream while seeking God’s guidance and direction?
- Am I willing to surrender my plans to God, trusting Him with the outcomes?
- How can I better align my desires and goals with God’s will for my life?
Prayer:
Lord, may Your plans and purposes be established in my life. Grant me the courage to surrender my dreams and desires and to walk in obedience to Your will. Like my Savior Jesus Christ, may I always say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”Amen.
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Proverbs Day 17: “Stop Before It Bursts”
Scripture:
"Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out." – Proverbs 17:14 (NLT)
"The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts." – Proverbs 17:14 (MSG)
Reflection:
Quarrels and arguments can destroy any relationship—be it family, personal, team, or business. Proverbs warns us to recognise the early signs of conflict and to step back before the situation spirals out of control. The imagery of a leaking dam is powerful: a small crack can quickly lead to catastrophic destruction if not addressed early.
James 3 reminds us of the tongue’s immense power: it is like a flame of fire, capable of setting an entire life ablaze. In moments of disagreement, we often face a choice: de-escalate the situation or fuel the fire. While forgiveness and peace are within our grasp, vengeance and retaliation often feel tempting but lead to ruin.
Pastor Ray wisely said, “Don’t fight over small things, or you’ll be too exhausted for the big or necessary fights.” Wise people avoid conflicts over minor, personal matters, but they do stand for justice and truth when it matters. Knowing when to walk away and when to engage is the mark of wisdom.
Let’s commit to controlling our tongues, avoiding unnecessary conflicts, and choosing peace in our relationships.
Questions to Reflect On:
- Do I take the opportunity to de-escalate conflict, or do I allow it to spiral out of control?
- Do I intentionally choose my battles, focusing on important issues rather than minor disagreements?
- How can I practice better control over my tongue, especially when provoked?
- Am I willing to let go of offense and embrace forgiveness to protect my relationships?
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage and wisdom to walk away from quarrels and the grace to forgive offenses quickly. Help me to control my tongue and avoid fueling conflict unnecessarily. May I never shy away from standing for justice and truth, and may my actions always reflect Your peace. Amen.
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Proverbs Day 18: “A Name You Can Bank On”
Scripture:
"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." – Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)
Reflection:
We often hear people say, “I swear on my mama” or “I swear on everything I love.” It seems they’re putting their trust in those names, but can those names really hold them in times of trouble?
There are moments in life when we face challenges we cannot solve on our own. In those times, we need someone greater than ourselves to step in. People often say, “I’m putting my money on this person or that team,” because of their proven track record. Similarly, God’s name holds power and trustworthiness because of His flawless character and history of faithfulness.
The strength of a name lies in the person behind it. God’s name is a strong tower because He has proven Himself dependable through generations of deliverance, forgiveness, love, and grace. His children can run to Him in any situation, knowing He will come through.
Exodus 34:5-7 describes God proclaiming His name and revealing His character. These verses remind us that God’s nature is consistent and trustworthy. No matter the generation or the problem, you can always bank on God.
Let’s remember that God’s name is the ultimate refuge, and let’s strive to live with a character that reflects His dependability and grace.
Questions to Reflect On:
- When my name is mentioned, is it associated with trustworthiness and strength?
- What areas of my character need growth to better reflect God’s nature?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You that Your name is a strong tower where I can run and be safe. Help me to reflect Your character in my life so that others may see You through me. Show me the areas where I need to grow, and guide me to be more like You. Amen.
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Proverbs Day 19: “Think Before You Leap”
Scripture:
"Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes." – Proverbs 19:2 (NLT)
"The best way to live is with revelation-knowledge, for without it, you’ll grow impatient and run right into error." – Proverbs 19:2 (TPT)
Reflection:
Being spontaneous and making quick decisions is often celebrated, but impulsiveness can come at a high cost, both in time and resources. I recall a time when I rushed into a decision because it felt good, and others were cheering me on. I was excited and biased toward success, assuming everything would work out. However, things didn’t go as planned, leading to harsh consequences and a bruised ego. Thankfully, I learned from that experience.
When we act rashly and don’t consider the implications of our choices, we often fail to complete what we started. Jesus emphasized the importance of counting the cost before beginning anything:
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’” – Luke 14:28–30 (MSG)
The goal is not just to begin but to finish. Pausing to reflect, analyse, and plan ensures we stay aligned with God’s purpose and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Let’s commit to thinking carefully before we leap, seeking God’s wisdom to guide every step.
Questions to Reflect On:
- Do I take the time to think through and analyse decisions, or do I act impulsively?
- Are there vows or commitments I’ve made without fully thinking them through, and have I followed through on them?
- When faced with big decisions, do I seek God’s guidance or rely solely on my own understanding?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for making rash vows or decisions that I couldn’t follow through on. Help me to count the cost in everything I undertake and to seek Your guidance so I don’t miss the mark. May my actions honor You and bring peace, not pain, to myself and others. Amen.
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Proverbs Day 20: “Living with Integrity”
Scripture:
"Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin’?" – Proverbs 20:9 (NLT)
"False weights and unequal measures— the Lord detests double standards of every kind." – Proverbs 20:10 (NLT)
"The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales." – Proverbs 20:23 (NLT)
Reflection:
Proverbs 20:9 humbles us with the truth: none of us are free from sin. We are prone to seeking our own advantage, which is why it’s vital to examine our hearts regularly, ensuring our words align with integrity and our actions reflect sincerity.
In ancient times, scales and weights were tools of trade. Dishonest scales—designed to cheat—were detestable to God. This principle extends beyond trade; it applies to every area of life. Whether in business dealings, employment practices, or personal conduct, God desires honesty and integrity.
I recently experienced frustration when a business suddenly changed its terms, forcing me to pay more than I anticipated. This reminded me that our conduct, even in unseen areas, matters to God. Leviticus 19:35-36 (NLT) reinforces this, commanding Israel: "You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt."
God, who sees all, calls us to honesty in every area of life. We might deceive others or escape human accountability, but we cannot hide from Him.
Let’s strive to honor God through integrity, knowing He values honesty in all we do.
Questions to Reflect On:
1. Are my business practices honest before the Lord?
2. Are my employment practices upright and fair?
3. Do I tolerate dishonesty or double standards in any area of my life?
Prayer: Lord, may I be a person of integrity in all areas of my life. Help me to live honestly, with my actions and decisions pleasing to You. Guide me to examine my heart and align every practice with Your will. Amen.