July 7, 2009

DEPENDENCE UPON GOD’S DIRECTION

Proverbs 20

Jake Horvath
Tuesday's Devo

July 7, 2009

Tuesday's Devo

July 7, 2009

Central Truth

Submitting to God's guidance and depending upon His truths gives direction in life.

Key Verse | Proverbs 20:24

The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord –
so how can anyone understand his own way?
(Proverbs 20:24)

Proverbs 20

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 1 20:1 Or will not become wise
The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
    but every fool will be quarreling.
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
    but a faithful man who can find?
The righteous who walks in his integrity—
    blessed are his children after him!
A king who sits on the throne of judgment
    winnows all evil with his eyes.
Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;
    I am clean from my sin”?
10  Unequal 2 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23 weights and unequal measures
    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
11  Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
    by whether his conduct is pure and upright. 3 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright
12  The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
    the LORD has made them both.
13  Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14  “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
    but when he goes away, then he boasts.
15  There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16  Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners. 4 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)
17  Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18  Plans are established by counsel;
    by wise guidance wage war.
19  Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. 5 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips
20  If one curses his father or his mother,
    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21  An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.
22  Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
    wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23  Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,
    and false scales are not good.
24  A man's steps are from the LORD;
    how then can man understand his way?
25  It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
    and to reflect only after making vows.
26  A wise king winnows the wicked
    and drives the wheel over them.
27  The spirit 6 20:27 Hebrew breath of man is the lamp of the LORD,
    searching all his innermost parts.
28  Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29  The glory of young men is their strength,
    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30  Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
    strokes make clean the innermost parts.

Footnotes

[1] 20:1 Or will not become wise
[2] 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23
[3] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright
[4] 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)
[5] 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips
[6] 20:27 Hebrew breath

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 20

Until four years ago, I was strolling along enjoying the walk in my life's path. Then a change of direction came and a chance to leave my comfort zone and sphere of influence. I had promised myself I would never move from Colorado. God had other plans. For awhile, I continued to pursue my own plan, my outcome. Following my own course left me lost and confused. So I surrendered my map and trusted in God’s guidance. The result has been an incredible balance of peace, spiritual growth, and reward.

Because we have no idea what the future holds, why do we think we can forecast the events ahead? Taking a leap of faith by trusting in God’s will is movement in the right direction. The best way to know God’s will is to consult God’s map, the Bible. When I do, I draw closer to God, and my mind is renewed (Romans 12:2). Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I am able to latch on to the wisdom God provides and let go of my own desire to control my destiny.

When we follow our own intuition we may think we know where we are going, but we really don't. Man's intuition is insufficient! Trusting in Him gives clarity. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God also gives peace as He guides. 

Surrender your desire to control the events (and even the struggles) of your life, and God will give you peace. Ask God for His map, and don't depend upon your own plans. By following His will, you will be amazed where He takes you. I promise!

Discussion Questions

1. Give examples of how you seek your way rather than God’s way. 

2. How has the Lord directed your steps lately?
 
3. How has God been glorified by your obedience to Him?