Plans and Actions “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16.2, 3 There have been way more situations in which I laid plans that have never been profitable – neither financially profitable nor spiritually profitable. Great truth in the text verses above – so much so that the concepts of self-delusional plans and thinking result in sad and sometimes distasteful consequences.
God’s Word declares quite frankly: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14.12; 16.25) As we think through plans (should we do so without seeking for principles in God’s Word), using our own cogitations our minds often consider grandiose prospects for the future. All of the numbers align and all of the data points to success; however, should God not be in it, it shall fail. The “way(s)” is used in a religious sense as a person’s manner of life. Somethings in life don’t make sense in natural considerations, but make great sense when considered spiritually.
Unfortunately, we all have a tendency to view ourselves through our eyes – comparing ourselves to others rather than to the true standard of righteousness as laid out by our Savior-God. As we consider our own ways, we tend to justify (see ourselves as clean) ourselves while vilifying the paths others take. We condone our own actions because we aren’t quite as bad as someone else. We see ourselves as looking into a dirty mirror which hides the blemishes in our own complexion.
This proverb suggests that the opinion we have of ourselves is one of innocent – or at least that we are not liable; yet, in reality our opinion of ourselves is not the measure by which we judge our righteousness. It is our Lord who “weighs the spirits.” He looks on the heart and considers our attitude rather than the size of our gift. While bigger is not always better, a sweeter attitude outweighs great gifts when presented in a self-centered manner. God judges the heart of the giver of more value than the actions.
Our Lord weighs in on the matter when He explains: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4.24)
To be sure of acceptance and blessing, we are to “commit” (roll onto someone) our “works” (any type of deed or act performed) unto the LORD (Yahweh) and allow Him to be the One who establishes (passive meaning to be caused to stand up straight) our thoughts (thoughts, purposes and intentions).
No matter what the world says, we should always consider our Savior’s opinion more weighty than anything established by the world. We should allow God to be our judge and none else. We should measure all of our attitudes and actions against the mirror of God’s Word rather than the failing systems of the world.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3.5, 6) Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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