Proverbs is such a rich and exciting book of guidance and uncovering pearls of wisdom! In the section I am reflecting on I see 4 clear categories that most of these proverbs fall into:
1) Something we do and the result it brings like “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart”
2) General counsel or we might say words of wisdom like “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines motives”
3) Results of poor behavior like “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends”
4) Hidden, unseen truths (not so quickly seen or understood) like “Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;
One proverb in particular stands out for me. “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
This verse has been like the North Star of prayer for me in my life as a Christ- follower. I learned the value and meaning of this Proverb early in my Christian life. When I would bring my actions and my thoughts around a certain way of doing something or the timing of doing something before the Lord He would give me peace and confidence about both the direction and the timing. The lack of peace would act like a huge red stop sign. Sometimes He would redirect me and sometimes He would just put it into a “holding” pattern until the timing was just right.
A recent example of this very important Proverb took place for me around my retirement from the workforce and my move from San Jose to Morgan Hill. There were a series of “Red Stop Signs” along the way until the timing was perfect and I was filled with peace for a number of rapid fire decisions that would lead me into that part of the promise “your plans will succeed.” Waiting on His perfect timing allowed me to sell my home at the peak of the market and make a move that would allow me to retire.” These were not things I could have orchestrated on my own but they took place as I committed my actions to the Lord.
Maybe you are facing an important decision in your life right now. If so, just remember His promise to commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed!