Proverbs 21:1-5 English Standard Version 21 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Most people imagine that people's hearts don't change (save some huge disaster), much like the flow of a river that people imagine doesn't really move. However, it is the LORD that can redirect those currents according to His will and change the heart of any man (even the rich and powerful like kings).
A man often does what is right in his own eyes, but we are to listen to the guidance that comes from the LORD. We are to walk in the paths that He has established for us. Why? Because the LORD is the one that will judge everyone in the end. He will not only judge our actions, but the intentions of our hearts. To obey is better than to sacrifice. Specifically, the LORD desires righteousness and justice from us before we offer Him our tithes and offerings. The LORD hates arrogance and pride. "Pride cometh before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The "light" within the wicked is darkness. It leads them into even more sin. The diligent man who lets the LORD direct his paths will surely have the blessings of the LORD described here as abundance. However, the one who makes quick, rash decisions will bring himself to ruin and poverty. Comments are closed.
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Daniel WestfallI will mostly use this space for recording my "journal" from my daily devotions as I hope to encourage others to read the Bible along with me and to leave a legacy for others. Archives
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