Proverbs Devotion - Day 16

While Chapter 16 continues with the same form of individual proverbs, there is a unity within. Much of this chapter addresses God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility or response to His sovereignty. 

In verses 1-3, we see that God is in complete control. While man can make plans, what ultimately happens is according to God’s will. His will be done. We should know and trust that. Verse 3 tells us to commit our work to the Lord and your plans will be established. The Bible speaks over and over about planning and making wise decisions. Even Proverbs teaches us not to be lazy, a sluggard, or unwise. However, we must remember that God rules and reigns over all. So, we can make plans, but our first desire should be to honor God, seek His will, and then plan accordingly. If we commit our ways and decisions to His purpose, His Kingdom, and His mission to make disciples, then He will work through them in a way that brings Him glory. In the end, His glory should be what we desire most. 

Because He’s in complete control, He is also all-knowing and just. Verses 4-5 describe the end for those who are wicked and arrogant. God knows what they do (even if they do not acknowledge Him), and He will hand out justice in a way that is deserving. Justice delayed does not mean that it is denied. If we suffer at the hands of injustice, trust that God sees, He knows, and He will righteously deal with it. It’s not our fight, but rather His. Trust His timing and His faithfulness. It’s never wise to join in with the wicked, so that we don’t receive the same due outcome.

Because God is in complete control and just, He will also provide a way of forgiveness. Verse 6 is a clear picture of the gospel. Notice that he says iniquity is atoned for by steadfast love and faithfulness. Iniquity is another word for sin, the breaking of God’s Law. We have all sinned against God, willingly and rebelliously. We have all committed iniquity and deserve the punishment and judgment that comes with that. We’ve already established that God is just and will judge the wicked. However, this verse reminds us that God is not ONLY just, but also gracious. Iniquity can be atoned, which means fully paid for through a sacrifice that satisfies the wrath of God against the sin. The only way there can be atonement is with the shed blood of a perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was that sacrifice. Therefore, the One who is in complete control, at the right time sent His Son to be that perfect sacrifice for sinners, ungodly enemies (Romans 5:1-11). Through faith in Jesus our sacrifice, we can have peace with God so that we don’t receive the judgment of verses 4-5, but rather the steadfast love and faithfulness of verse 6. We we are adopted, welcomed, and can now call Him Father, because we have peace with Him forevermore. 

Because God is in complete control, He provides a perfect King to rule the world. We see that in verses 10-15. A wise “king” is presented. On its face, we can see how a king should rule over a kingdom. He should be righteous, good, and speak truth. But taking it a step further, as we’ve seen in previous devotions, Proverbs are ultimately fulfilled in Wisdom Himself: King Jesus. He is this perfect king in Proverbs. Thankfully, we have a King who is seated and only speaks truth, rules with wisdom, and is perfectly righteous. If you know Jesus today, then know that you serve a good, true, righteous, and completely sovereign King. We don’t have to stand in fear of Him, but rather know that, by faith, you have his favor, love, and faithfulness and that His perfect kingdom will never end! Submit to the King and live to make Him known!