SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. [Proverbs 16:2]
For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. [Mark 4:22]
As I read these collected wisdom sayings, I picture king Solomon sitting at his desk by a window, reflecting and journaling the things that come to his mind.
As king, he knows his own power and authority, as well as what pleases him [Proverbs 16:10,12-15].
He then compares his own power and authority to God’s and realizes that God is all-knowing and all-power, or to use a word that relates to kingship – that He is Sovereign over everything and everyone.
We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. [Proverbs 16:1]
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. [Proverbs 16:33]

We struggle with this, we are eager to affirm our own freedom to live, to choose, to act.
I do not hear Solomon speaking philosophically so much as experientially, that no matter what happens God’s purpose is ultimately accomplished.
There is a mystery here, one that people have debated for centuries, between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility (freedom to choose).
I cannot explain how these things fit together, but I agree with Solomon’s perspective that somehow it all fits together, both God’s greatness and goodness, and our own responsibility to choose.

And instead of trying to explain it, we ought to strive to live according to this wisdom.
God sees all, knows all, works everything out for His purpose… therefore we ought to submit our hearts and lives and wills to Him, to live as if He is our absolute sovereign, our King!
As King, He delights in what is good, honest, just, morally appropriate.
As King, He is not just interested in lip service, or a good show, He discerns our hearts.
This is an issue that all leaders (like Solomon) face, to know whether those who work with them are truly on their side, whether their hearts and motives are genuine.
But God knows, He is able to (and will) reveal the hidden motives in our hearts.
This is only a concern for those who are being dishonest or hypocritical; it is a comfort to those who are being honest, who sincerely desire to honour God.

There’s no sense hiding from God – He sees, He knows.
To fear (respect) Him is the best respond, not to flee from Him.
And better still, He is good and fair and kind and forgiving.
Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. [Proverbs 16:6]

PRAYER:
Lord, You know my heart, You know my weakness and my failure and my shame. I admit it Lord, and I ask for Your forgiveness and Your help to be the person You made me to be.