Proverbs 16

“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 16:20-25 (NKJV)

There are a dozen-or-so verses that seem to be bedrock foundations from which other Biblical ideas are weighed.  They make such undeniably straightforward declarations.  You may grow tired of my quoting them so frequently, but I assure you that my reminding you of these bedrock verses is not because I have not committed other verses to memory.  I am quoting them often because I want you to remember them!  It is not enough for us to read devotionals telling us what to think.  We must learn HOW to think.  I am not alone in my approach to learning.

“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NKJV)

That being said, we must take another look at Psalm 1.  

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Yes, I quote Psalm 1 often, especially here in the Proverbs, but it acts as a key that helps to unlock understanding so we can know WHY there are such distinguishing outcomes between those who heed God’s Word vs those trying to build their lives apart from God’s blueprint.  We either align with God or fight against Him!

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:1-3 (NKJV)

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33 (NJKJV)