PROVERBS 16:1-9 – PERFECT BALANCE 

WHAT DO THESE SAYINGS MEAN TO YOU?

  • Man proposes, God disposes.
  • God provides, man decides.
  • God is sovereign, man is responsible.

I believe that Proverbs 16:1-9 shows us the perfect balance God has ordained between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility.

PLANS – Proverbs 16:1-3

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. 

PURPOSE – Proverbs 16:4-5

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. 

PROVISION – Proverbs 16:6-7

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. 

PRINCIPLE – Proverbs 16:8

8  Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. 

PREEMINENCE – Proverbs 16:9

9  A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.