Chapter 16
Ever made a “perfect” plan, only to watch it fall apart like a bad DIY project? Or maybe you thought things were headed for disaster… and somehow, they turned out better than you imagined. Life has a way of reminding us we’re not nearly as in control as we think.
Proverbs 16 is here to say: yep, that’s exactly how it works.
This chapter reminds us that we can plan, strategize, organize, and color-code our calendars all day long. But in the end, it’s God who determines the outcome. Verse after verse paints a picture of how involved He really is — our words, our steps, our motives, even our promotions. None of it happens outside His hand.
And yet, most of us still live like we’re running the universe from our phones.
Planning isn’t the issue. It’s the pride that sneaks in with it. We start thinking, “I’ve got this,” until life throws a reality check our way — a flat tire, a lost job, or a child with an infected bug bite. Pride builds this illusion of control, but humility says, “God, I need You. Not just on Sundays, but in every spreadsheet, decision, and conversation.”
Proverbs 16 doesn’t say don’t make plans. It says make plans with open hands, surrendered to the One who sees the whole picture.
And that’s exactly how Jesus lived. He didn’t just include the Father in His plans — He aligned every step with the Father’s will. Even when that path led to the cross, He trusted that God’s plan was better. And because of His trust, we now have life.
So yes, make plans. Use wisdom. Think ahead. But hold those plans loosely. Because the goal isn’t just getting what we want, it’s learning to want what God wants even if we can’t see the positive results or value right now.
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end–even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.