Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
#1 “In their hearts…”
In most places where the heart is mentioned in Scripture, it is not looked upon kindly. Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it” (Jer 17:9)?
Mark 7:21-22 says, “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.”
Just follow your heart may work for Disney, but it is terrible advice for the believer.
#2 “…humans plan their course,”
It is right to plan to a certain extent; what is for dinner tonight?
When will I finish my work? But the kind of planning that is not good is the arrogant kind that desires its own way and has expectations for how things are going to go.
This is essentially taking on God’s job. James 4:13-17 calls it “boasting about tomorrow.”
#3 “but the Lord establishes their steps.”
What is going to happen is what God wants to happen. Seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness
(Mt 6:25-34), don’t worry for tomorrow, live in his presence right now, and watch him unfold his perfect plan before you.
This means live according to his principles in his Word, and lay down your life for him and for his Kingdom.
You cannot even imagine what he has in store for those who trust in him.
