[Anglican Devotional 4 August 2023] Topic: God Works His Purpose Out
TOPIC: God Works His Purpose Out
READ: Proverbs 21:1-17 (NKJV)
The king’s heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [Like] the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
To do righteousness and justice [Is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
A haughty look, a proud heart, [And] the plowing of the wicked [are] sin.
The plans of the diligent [lead] surely to plenty, But [those of] everyone [who is] hasty, surely to poverty.
Getting treasures by a lying tongue [Is] the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.
The way of a guilty man [is] perverse; But [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.
Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
The righteous [God] wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for [their] wickedness.
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
[It is] a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction [will come] to the workers of iniquity.
A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
He who loves pleasure [will be] a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
THE MESSAGE:
The writer of Proverbs again in this chapter opens our understanding to see that God does not only work in the affairs of man, He controls the affairs of the whole world. Therefore, the wicked must not assume that they work outside the providential work of God in the affairs of this world. As a farmer directs the water in order to irrigate his crops, so God directs the heart of the king in order to bring about His work (Isaiah 45:1-3). Men can propose in his hearts, however, it is God who fulfils His ways in order that His eternal plan of redemption be accomplished.
Series of lessons are available for Christians to learn here if we carefully allow God who is the Ultimate Director of the universe to direct our lives. His direction will make us to correctly plan for a work and succeed therein (verse 5). His direction will teach us to dwell in peace in isolation than in the company of a woman who lacks control (verse 9). The righteous always rejoice when justice is done, but justice brings displeasure to those who are unjust (verse 15).
THOUGHT: Man can propose but it is God that disposes.
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