Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
In just a few words this verse says it is better to poor and righteous than rich and wicked. A lot times the rich are always worried about loosing what they have and they could care less who they have to step on to get what they have. The people who have what they need are usually always happy and at peace with people. The next verse goes on to say that man may plan what he wants to do but God will decide whether it happens or not. Their are several examples in God’s word where people had planned for things to go one way but God had other plans and in time His will was fulfilled. In the end it all comes down to the fact that God will overrule the the plans of men to fulfill His purpose. So let us be mindful that even though we may think what is best may not be God’s will and be open to listen for Him to direct us.
Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
We see now that by the mercy of God and thru His truth our sins are purged. Through that healthy fear of God we will do our best to stay away from sin. Because we have a reverent fear of God we can truly show Him the love He deserves. This scripture goes on to show us that when we please the Lord He will even make our enemies be at peace with us. If we show others the love that God has shown us it is hard for them not to accept the the love we show. We should be aware though that sometimes no mater what you do some will never accept that love. We should still though try our best to share the love of God wit everyone and remember His word says to pray for your enemies.
Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
When God created everything He created it to be good. God did not create an evil man but instead gave man a choice and some choose to be evil and will never except the salvation that Jesus gave those who accepted Him. They will always be bad. As his continues we see the ones who choose not to accept the ways of God let pride take over their lives. God wants us to be a humble servant and not someone who has to be in total control of and think are are like God. We know the saying “Pride cometh before a fall” and from this scripture we know even if the wicked ban together it will not stop the punishment God has for them. Again we need to strive to learn as much as we can about the word of God so we will have the wisdom and knowledge to resist evil and walk in ways God would lead us.
1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
We begin this chapter with God preparing our hearts so that it inspires what we speak. God does not want us for our worldly abilities, he wants us so we can be molded into His image.Then we see that the ways of a righteous man are clean to himself but God ponders and judges the true motives of the spirit. While man can be self deceived God judges His true motives.God always judges the heart and not the deeds we do. Finally the any job we do should be done as though we were doing it God Himself. This includes the jobs we get paid for, to me if we are not doing our job as if we were doing for God we may not get paid what we should or could lose that job. If we will take God as our partner in everything we do it will succeed.
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." I John 5:7
