The "Sovereignty of God" Chapter

Proverbs 16 is an instructive chapter in God's Word, as well as
a comforting one. God is sovereign; He is absolutely in control.

The "Sovereignty of God" Chapter

"The preparations of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD."

(Proverbs 16:1)

For many years, I have read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day. For example, today is June the 20th, so for part of my quiet time, I read Proverbs 20. I start each day the same, whether I am going to work, on vacation, attending a conference, or even on a mission trip. I get out of bed, go to my knees, and begin each day worshiping and praising the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then I down a very strong cup of coffee. Next, I find a quiet place and begin praying and reading the Bible. A few days a week, I have an extended time of prayer where I pray over many prayer requests in my prayer journal. About every other day, I enter a recap of the last couple of days into my journal.

Once a month, I read Proverbs 16. I call it the "Sovereignty of God" Chapter because there are many references in it to how God controls and guides all things. We are to pursue the Lord and always do our part, whatever He leads us to do. As verse 1 tells us, we are to prepare. There is work for us to do. We should not be lazy but be fully engaged in the activities that God would have us engage in. But it is God who gives the answer. Our perspiration coupled with God's inspiration leads to much accomplishment and celebration.

Proverbs 16:4 states, "The LORD has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom." God is so very much in control, working all things for His good, that even the wicked who perish are part of His overall divine plan. It is not God's will that anyone reject Him and perish (1 Peter 3:9); however, most of the world has and will continue to reject God, and as a result, they seal their eternal doom. This does not take God by surprise. He has predicted it.

Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs His steps." Again, we read of how we should plan and do our part, but ultimately, it is God who calls the shots, who directs us according to His will. I am so glad that God is guiding my life. I prepare and plan, but all the while, I trust that God is leading me and will close some doors and open others. In big things as well as small, if we go with God and allow Him to have His way in our lives, He will always lead us to what brings Him the most glory and brings us the greater good.

One more: Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." Casting lots was a way the people of God ascertained the will of God for their lives. Examples include 1 Chronicles 24-25 when the children of Israel cast lots to determine who would serve the LORD and how. "And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student" (1 Chronicles 25:8). In Acts 1:14, the early church cast lots to determine who would replace Judas as the 12th apostle. Acts 1:26 tells us what happened: "And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles." After Pentecost, you do not read in the Bible of the people of God casting lots. I believe that is because we now have the Holy Spirit living within us to guide us as we seek to do God's will.

Proverbs 16 is an instructive chapter in God's Word, as well as a comforting one. God is sovereign; He is absolutely in control. We, as His children, those who love and follow Him, can have absolute confidence in God guiding our lives. We all have a part to play. We are to seek the Lord and trust Him to reveal His will for our lives. Then, we should wait and rest in Him. He will guide us, and when He does, we must follow Him completely, knowing that He is good and has only our best in His heart.