I am so grateful to be living as a citizen of the United States of America. Although I do not agree with many things that have been established by a variety of leadership over the years, I am blessed to be an American; a part of one nation under God. The United States is the world’s only remaining superpower. However, no matter how powerful a nation or a president may be, that leader must submit to the sovereign rule of God and his King [Messiah] or huge power issues will arise between God and country. As a nation, we must pray all the time for Oneness with God and keep our motives and plans in check by honoring him.
In our passage from Proverbs 16, today, we note God is the One in control and we must humbly trust him. God determines what is evil and he judges it, God saves and protects those who submit to his authority, and God rules not only a certain country he rules the world and we must remember it! God lays out what he wants and sovereignly brings it to pass.
Human beings have free-will; an example would be the choice to sin. Because of our fallen nature, we will always struggle to live without sin. So, God helps us to understand his view of righteousness and if we choose to confess and submit our lives and sin to him God will help us overcome what he does not accept as good for us.
When Scripture reminds us of God’s sovereignty, we may find certain things about it unbearable. To see and accept God’s sovereignty is to know that everything touching a person’s life is either authored or allowed by God. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, God has promised to bring good out of it.
Again, this is not a warm-fuzzy vision sometimes; the thoughts and ways of God can seem unfathomable (Is 55:8-9). For example, by the sovereign will of God, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, so he could grow, develop, rise to power, and save many people from starvation (Gen 50:20). It certainly took Joseph awhile to see his life in view of the merciful and good work of God, but nonetheless, he came to understand and praise God for it.
Humanity has a responsibility to God, because some things human beings do are detestable, wicked/evil, and need atoning by Almighty God—the only One who can bring righteous change. If we submit our hearts to God, believers can be agents of change in many ways. Bowing to the authority and sovereignty of God helps us battle against human pride that desires to take credit rather than give credit to God. Yet, God will even use evil in human beings to accomplish his purposes.
Let’s share just a minute about pride [self-deception], because it is so destructive and foolish. We cannot follow our own heart, because we do not see the world properly like God. Our flesh and logic are contaminated by pride and foolishness. People make decisions based on feelings every day that ruin their lives (Pro 16:25). We need God’s Wisdom; otherwise, human beings tend to promote themselves or their agenda and shun godly instruction.
So, real power comes when God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together to accomplish the righteous justice of God. We need to act in accordance with our King, make plans that further his Kingdom, work hard for the cause of love, depend upon the Holy Spirit’s help, and submit absolutely everything to God. Nothing escapes God’s knowledge, so he will judge that which is evil and reward that which is good! According to Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting the Lord with our whole hearts…will lead us away from pride and onto the humble and straight path [obedience to God].
Proverbs 16 NLT
1
We can make our own plans,
but the Lord gives the right answer.
2
People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their motives.
3
Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.
4
The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5
The Lord detests the proud;
they will surely be punished.
6
Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.
7
When people’s lives please the Lord,
even their enemies are at peace with them.
8
Better to have little, with godliness,
than to be rich and dishonest.
9
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.
10
The king speaks with divine wisdom;
he must never judge unfairly.
11
The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;
he sets the standards for fairness.
12
A king detests wrongdoing,
for his rule is built on justice.
13
The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
he loves those who speak honestly.
14
The anger of the king is a deadly threat;
the wise will try to appease it.
15
When the king smiles, there is life;
his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
16
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
and good judgment than silver!
17
The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
whoever follows that path is safe.
18
Pride goes before destruction,
and haughtiness before a fall.
19
Better to live humbly with the poor
than to share plunder with the proud.
20
Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
21
The wise are known for their understanding,
and pleasant words are persuasive.
22
Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,
but discipline is wasted on fools.
23
From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
24
Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25
There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
26
It is good for workers to have an appetite;
an empty stomach drives them on.
27
Scoundrels create trouble;
their words are a destructive blaze.
28
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends.
29
Violent people mislead their companions,
leading them down a harmful path.
30
With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
31
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.
32
Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33
We may throw the dice, [cast lots]
but the Lord determines how they fall.
Prayer: Lord, we are so grateful for your counsel and authority, so we humbly offer our will to you, today. We love you and pursue your faithful care of us. Help us stand against a spirit of pride and stubbornness, so we are protected from evil. We pray for our nation to rise up in righteous revival to honor your Name. In humility, we pray and ask for your sovereign will to be done. In praise, we thank you for the abundant grace to provide the resources needed to take care of this nation, our people, and turn to help the world you so dearly love. As a country, may we seek to love you wholeheartedly, love our neighbors, and love ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.