Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.”
Paul referred to the believer as a soldier, and compared the Christian life to a battle ground. One of the reasons the Christian life is often difficult, is because we are fighting on two fronts. A large part of our battle is seeking to see others impacted for the Kingdom of God. We enter the arena to fight whenever we pray for the unsaved or the backslider. Scripture tells us our weapons are not carnal but they are mighty and able to pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The weapons we have been given are prayer, the Word of God and our personal testimony. When those are used together, we will find that we become effective in impacting others for the kingdom of God.
The other front on which the Christian engages in battle is within. We are told the devil shoots fiery darts into the mind of the Christian (Ephesians 6:16). The darts often take the form of fear, doubt, lust, envy, covetousness, pride or even self-loathing. If we are going to succeed in our walk with the Lord, we must win in the battlefield of the mind. Solomon’s insights here give us a tactical advantage.
“Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.”
Jesus explained that our actions will be produced by what is in our hearts (Matthew 15:17-19). Solomon adds, our actions will produce what goes on in our minds. If everyday, you choose to drive by the new car lot and stare at the cars on the showroom floor, it is no wonder you will have a great longing for a new car. You will find yourself unsatisfied with your current mode of transportation and preoccupied with how to get that new car. Choosing a different route to work, where you do not see the new cars everyday, will lessen the temptation. Wanting a new car is not necessarily sinful, but it illustrates the principle Solomon is presenting. If we are going to win the battle against temptations of the flesh, we must win the battle in the mind. If we are going to win the battle of the mind, we must make some changes in our actions. If we are constantly filling the mind with images that produce the desires of the flesh, we will never win that battle.
Let’s make sure that today we,
“Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.”
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 16
1. Verse 2 is reminiscent of Proverbs 14:12. “There is a way which seems right to a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Have you ever heard somebody say, “I don’t need to be saved? I’m alright?” Perhaps that was you at a time in your life until you used God’s Word as a mirror. Then it revealed that things were not quite right. Are you filtering your plans and your ways through the Bible? Is your attitude pleasing to God?
2. In verse 3 the verb commit literally means “roll.” In other words, to roll all of your burdens on the Lord. This word portrays complete dependence on God. There are some who give God temporary control of their lives only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Are you worried about tomorrow, next week, or the future? Roll it over on Him!
3. Verse 9 tells us that God is the ultimate boss. He is sovereign and determines the outcome of our plans. This proverb is a contrast of what we plan and what actually happens. Guess what? God determines the latter. Remember that if your choice meets with approval, God will direct your steps to the desired goal.
4. Verse 18 shows the consequences of pride. Pride leads inevitably to a downfall and arrogance is the first step down. If we think that our success was attributed to our own energy and effort, we fool ourselves. Everything we have is from a benevolent God. To avoid a fall you may ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has blinded you to warning signs.
5. We all like to hear pleasant, comforting, and encouraging words. In verses 2-4, they are described as a “honey comb” which is sweet to the soul and health to the bones. The result of such speech is felt in the body and soul. Are you reading the bad news in the newspaper more than the good news of the Bible? Remember it’s better to say it with pleasant words instead of trying to say it with the help of FTD and Hallmark.
6. Verses 26-30 form a group of verses about different types of troublemakers who disrupt community life. We have the hungry man, (hunger is not the best incentive) the worthless man, the perverse man, the violent man, and the wicked man. These types of people destroy close relationships. Solomon warns us to keep away from such villains. Are you finding yourself enticed or influenced by such people?
7. The Hebrews believed that long life was a sign of God’s blessings. Therefore gray hair and old age were good. Proverbs 20:29 tells us that the young glory in their strength and gray hair the splendor of the old. Gray hair is not a sign of disgrace to be covered up by Grecian Formula. It is a crown of splendor. How are you dealing with older people? Are you treating them with respect?
8. Verse 32 describes a human being who has his emotions under control. Our home life can be ruined by a person who loses control of his or her temper. Are you struggling to control your temper? Pray to the Lord to give you victory
Old Testament:
Micah 1- Prophecy Fulfilled
Micah 3- Fully Charged
Jim Gallagher 