Movers and Shakers

Proverbs 16:1-33

Good afternoon and happy mothers day to all of you are are mothers, have mothers, or have mothered someone in your childless household.

I have to start in my own way before I present my interpretation of John’s message.

My favorite of all these verses we are studying today is verse 3:

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans.

That says is all, doesn’t it? If we had done this from the beginning of our lives, had it ingrained in us, we would have avoided all the worry and strife in life, would we not? Yet we are. We are interwoven into this sinful world where we really had no chance. We were born into sin. The only way out of it and into an eternity with God is to believe in Him. To accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

How would we really separate ourselves from this world otherwise? We would have to live isolated in some faraway place, sustaining ourselves and buried in His word.

Since that is not possible, we do the best we can by choosing to believe, to follow, and to study his world habitually.

John tells us today the proper way to be leaders of men.

Proverbs supplies us with all of these verses that speak on God’s sovereignty, yet also show tension in His tone. We know He knows everything, but is He also good and just?

Verses 1-4 demonstrate that His goals will most certainly be met and His motives are just.

I. Man Proposes and God Disposes

I love this! I often think of my own plans and how things turn out, meaning God is basically laughing at us. Every time we think our way is the best way, he shoves us in a different direction, the way He wanted s to go in the first place!

I also have to note here that while my husband was an excellent leader of men in his working life, he is getting quite cynical in his retired life. He makes assumptions and suppositions and has an attitude of superiority over everyone. I have to subtly remind him that’s not what Jesus would do, nor is He going to think highly of him when he gets to heaven.

Another thing we ask of God is why? Why did He create division and evil in the world in the beginning? If I had ultimate power, I would never have let Adam and Eve eat the apple. Never made it necessary for Noah to build the ark, or put Abraham through the stress of almost killing his son! Why did He separate the Isrealites from the Canaanites?

Because, He had to teach us the difference between good and evil. Which makes me think, well, we never had a chance! We were born evil.

But then I remember that God sent Jesus to die for us and atone for our sins. That is the good news of the gospel. Do you believe it? Do you trust Jesus?

I feel so calm when I realize that I do, and I know everything is going to be alright. I don’t stress or worry as much anymore.

The next verses, 16-24 speak on wisdom and how its more important than gold. Insight is better than silver.

II. Human government should be reflective of God’s righteousness. (16: 10-15)

III. The principles of wise living involve Certain Key Values.

Verses 25-33

To lead people you have to know them.

They may be: poorly motivated, criminal, gossipers/dividers, negative influencer, scammer/shysters, or they may be long time riteous people, or those with self control.

But our ultimate job is to lead people to Jesus. We may have been good leaders in our work, but did we lead people to know Jesus?

Maybe we can now. That is my goal with these Sunday Messages.

Now, go out and have lunch with your mom. 💐💕