Proverbs 16: King James Bible
Preparation of the Heart – Daily Devotion of Proverbs chapter sixteen, Verses 1-2
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.
Daily Inspiration from These Verses – Preparation of the Heart
There’s a lesson to be learned (I believe), in the first verse, that we’d all benefit from. In this verse, we get a sample of the Father orchestrating our lives, through the answer of the tongue.
Who’s tongue? I would say, the verse is talking about man’s tongue. The answers we get from people, through intervention of the Lord. We see example after example throughout the Bible, of the Lord intervening, or playing off of what is being done, or told, to his subjects.
First thing that comes to mind, are the events that transpired during the times that Abram and his wife took refuge in different cities, particularly in Genesis 12. That chapter is a great example of the Lord putting his servant on a certain path, because of the actions or words of others.
I believe verse one, should also direct us to acknowledge that there’s a relationship between the preparation of the heart, and the answer of the tongue. Both are from the Lord. So what do we do with this information?
We read the next verse, that’s what we do! Verse 2 is focusing on folks, who’s ways are clean in their own eyes. Not those who are doing wrong for wrong’s sake, but genuine people, that honestly believe that they are doing right.
Historically as well as Biblically, people doing what’s right in their own eyes, is to suggest that they aren’t doing things correctly in the eyes of the Lord. That’s why the scripture follows up with, BUT the Lord weighs the spirits.
The Father what’s the spirit behind the purpose of the heart? Is it good or evil, lead by the Father, or by pride? The answers to these questions for those of us who are Christ’s, will greatly determine what that answer of the tongue will become.
The more I read these two verses, the more convinced I am that they are meant to be together. This happens all the time throughout the Bible, but not too often in Proverbs. So when we do find a verse that may stump us in some way, it’s best to move on to the next verse, and see whether or not the Lord will grant you understanding through it.
I do love the book of Proverbs, because it is so packed full of detailed information about the Father and how he works! I’m not sure I’ve done these two verses too much justice through this devotional.
But through these first two verses of chapter 16, the Lord has given us an insight to how he injects purpose into the heart of man, causes those purposes to become a reality through the answer of the tongue, and weighed out none other than himself.
And people wonder where God is! He’s all over the place doing far more than we can even comprehend.
Related New Testament Scripture
Matthew 15: King James Bible
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Matthew 22: King James Bible
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Romans 5: King James Bible
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 8: King James Bible
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Colossians 4: King James Bible
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
1 Peter 3: King James Bible
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Prayer
Father,
Thank you for all that you’ve taught us about yourself, through your Word and by your Holy Spirit. We relish in all you’ve provided. Please forgive us Lord, when we’ve wrongfully thought you absent from any situation we’ve been through, be they good or bad. Ans thank you for your intimate care in all of our dealings,as we walk the path that you have set before us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen
Question
Have you ever considered the origins, of the preparations of the heart?