Ecclesiastes 10

Ecclesiastes 10:1

Many Counselors Make a Plan Succeed

It is not God’s purpose for us to do everything alone. He created man as a social being who needs others to function well. Even in the church, He has made members interdependent on one another (1 Corinthians 12:14-31). Self-will always turns out badly. Often nothing comes of the plans of someone who works alone, without consulting others. The success of plans requires seeking and accepting good advice.

Wanting to implement a plan without consultation also shows haste. Time is needed to consult. Consultation may be seen as wasted time, but it is not. After all, two see more than one. It is good to see one’s own limitations, no matter how gifted one is. Consultation with reliable and competent people is decisive for a good result, for the realization of the plan.

This is a general observation of value in society both on a personal and national level. It means that we need others. The same is true of matters in the church. In the consultation over whether or not the Gentiles should keep the law in Acts 15, we have a good example of consultation leading to the necessary outcome (Acts 15:5-31). The outcome is good because Scripture and the Holy Spirit are listened to (Psalms 119:24). In all consultation, it is most important above all to look to Him Who is “Counselor” (Isaiah 9:5).

Ecclesiastes 10:2

How Delightful Is a Timely Word

There is an answer here without reading about a question. The question at issue here and to which the answer comes could be about anything. It can be a verbal question, the request for an opinion, but also a situation with which someone is embarrassed. The second line of verse makes it clear that it is not about a direct and formally correct answer. It is about an answer that does address the content of the question, but that is also given timely, at the right time, not sooner and not later.

Therefore, the joy such an answer brings is not so much the result of its correctness, but of its right timing. We speak wise when we speak at the right time, when there is a need for what we say at that time. “For a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure” (Ecclesiastes 8:5b). Saying the right things at the right time gives deep satisfaction; it requires knowledge and wisdom and self-denial. Saying the right thing, but at the wrong time, is counterproductive, that is, it leads to the opposite of what is sought.

If Paul had told the jailer to believe in the Lord Jesus before throwing him in jail, Paul would have been right, but would have had no result. It was not the time for the right word then. That time came when the jailer was about to kill himself (Acts 16:27-32). We can learn this way of speaking only from the Lord Jesus (Isaiah 50:4).

Ecclesiastes 10:3

The Path of Life Leads Upward

“The wise” sees life in its proper perspective. He knows that he is on the path of life and that this path also leads to life. It is a path “upward”, it leads to eternal life, to heaven, where eternal life is enjoyed in its fullness. The Christian who is wise will seek the things that are above, that are upward, for there is Christ, his life (Colossians 3:1-2). He fixes his eyes on “Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

The wise walks that path because he wants to keep as far away from “Sheol below” as possible. It is not about the fact that there would still be a chance that he would end up in Sheol, i.e. hell. Through the blood of Christ, he knows that he has escaped the judgment of hell and will not end up there. The point is about the fact that he is now walking the path to life and therefore in the practice of his life he is also distancing himself from things that belong to “Sheol below”. He is born from above and goes the path upward. He belongs to heaven and not to hell. This is evident in the orientation of his life.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

The LORD Protects the Widow

The LORD will tear down the “proud” and their entire house, but He protects the vulnerable “widow”. The contrast is between the proud and the widow, between those who rely entirely on themselves and one who is powerless, who has no one but God (Psalms 68:5). Scripture amply affirms that God defends the cause of the widow, the orphan, the poor and the needy.

The antithesis assumes that the widow is the prey of the proud, who want to take her land and home (Isaiah 5:8-10). God has established the boundaries of His people in the land and will maintain them (Deuteronomy 19:14). Those who do not take that into account, the proud, He tears down and also their entire “empire” on which they rely and which they believe is fixed forever. Only what has been fixed by God, like the widow’s boundary stone, is immovably established.

Ecclesiastes 10:5

Evil Plans or Pleasant Words

God hates not only the sacrifice and way of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8-9), but also their “plans” and thoughts. A wicked person is a deviser of “evil plans”. The plans he makes are aimed at harming others, disadvantaging and damaging them. There is no thought of God with him at all. Everything revolves around himself. The LORD knows his heart. What he plots in it is “an abomination” to Him.

The contrast in the second line of verse is that between hidden plans or thoughts and “lovely words”. Lovely words need not be hidden, but can be spoken. They cannot but come from a heart that is pure because it is focused on God. Those words do not reflect evil thoughts; they are not unclean, but pure words.

David is the “sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). The words he spoke are pure words because they were spoken by the Spirit of God in him (2 Samuel 23:2). When we speak by the Spirit of God, our words are sweet and pure.

Ecclesiastes 10:6

Warning Against Illicit Profit

“Illicit profits” are got by dishonest practices, such as the use of “bribes”, which distort justice (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Job 8:3; Matthew 28:11-15; Exodus 18:21; 1 Samuel 8:3; Isaiah 33:15; 1 Peter 5:2). The greedy man is the one who rushes to get rich and does not care how that happens. He not only brings misfortune upon himself, but he drags others down with him. He plunges his entire home, wife and children, into trouble.

The verse is a warning against accepting bribes. Gifts can be harmless, but they can also change one’s standards and values, that is, lower them. Those who hate gifts meant as bribes “will live” and keep troubles away from their families. Illicit profit is slavery. He who hates Illicit profit will live the true life now and will soon do so in full. It is living in the freedom of the Spirit.

Ecclesiastes 10:7

Think First, Then Answer

“The righteous” is not a blabbermouth. He “ponders” in his heart what he will answer when he is asked something or when something happens to him from God (Habakkuk 2:1). To ponder is to weigh or study. He who is wise is careful with his words. For a good answer, we need Godly wisdom because we are surrounded by an evil world. Therefore, we must carefully consider what and how to answer.

The wicked are not guided by the fear of God. Therefore, out of their mouths comes a stream of evil things. They cause evil with what comes out of their mouth. Their mouth overflows with it. Their mouth is an unstoppable source of pain to others. They bring evil things out of the evil treasure of their heart (Matthew 12:34-35).

Ecclesiastes 10:8

The LORD Answers the Prayer of the Righteous

The wicked keep the LORD at a distance. As a result, He is far from them. When they need Him because they believe He can be of service to them, He proves to be inaccessible to them and deaf to their cries to Him. His grace, love and help are not available to them because they refuse to break with their sins. Of course, a prayer of repentance from the wicked is the exception, for thereby they become righteous. When they pray as righteous, He answers (James 5:16b-18; Psalms 34:16; 18; 1 Peter 3:12).

Ecclesiastes 10:9

What Gladdens the Heart and Puts Fat on the Bones

“Bright eyes gladden” is literally “the light of the eyes gladdens”. It is about the light from heaven, from God. When that light comes into the eyes, when the eyes are bright, the heart is gladdened by it (cf. Ecclesiastes 11:7). Because of the light of God in our eyes, we can see all that God has done and praise Him for it. This applies to both the old creation and the new creation, to both the material world and the spiritual world. If “the eyes of our hearts are enlightened” (Ephesians 1:15), this means that we are able to know all the spiritual blessings we have received from God.

“Good news” refers to something good that our ears hear. That has a refreshing effect on our bones. We see this with Jacob when he hears that Joseph is still alive. His spirit revives and he goes to him (Genesis 45:27-28). We gain strength for our walk when we hear about the good that God purposes for us by His discipline (Hebrews 12:11-13). Ten of the twelve spies spread bad news about the promised land and thus paralyzed the people, causing them to refuse to move on.

Ecclesiastes 10:10

To Listen and to Fear Is Life, Wisdom and Honor

“Reproof” can be painful, but “he whose ear listens” to it will consequently live, according to the wisdom of God. A teachable person belongs among the wise, for he who “listens to the life-giving reproof” shows that he is wise. The wise person wants to live to the glory of God. Reproof serves to remove from life that which prevents it. He who has an open ear for that, “will dwell among the wise” that is, he finds rest in the midst of the wise. He is one of them.

“He who neglects discipline”, which goes beyond refusing to listen to reproof, “despises himself” (Proverbs 15:32). He thinks no one should interfere with his life. He wants to live as he thinks best for himself. It escapes him that by such an attitude he despises his life. The discipline is meant to make him live the true life, that is, as God has meant it to be lived. That gives full satisfaction to life.

He who “listen to reproof acquires understanding”; he acquires understanding of himself and of life. Then one can grow spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. He will know how to live to God’s glory. For his neighbor, he will seek not evil, but good and know what God requires of him.

He who is guided in his life by “the fear of the LORD” is constantly instructed, in the sense of being taught, to walk wisely through life (Proverbs 15:33), for “the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 9:10). He knows how to make the right choice when there is a need to choose and so also to avoid evil. His life is attuned to doing the will of God.

The first effect of wisdom is that it produces “humility” in the righteous. The fear of God is accompanied by humility. Where there is the one, there is also the other. The one is the way to wisdom; the other is the way to honor. Humility is a mind of heart that we must learn. We can learn humility from Him Who is Wisdom. He said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Humble submission in trust in the Lord brings “wisdom” and “honor”. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself and was exalted by God. He is the example of what He says to us: “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11b). Our exaltation, the honor we will receive, depends on our humiliation. If we humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God”, He will exalt us “at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).

Ecclesiastes 10:11

To Listen and to Fear Is Life, Wisdom and Honor

“Reproof” can be painful, but “he whose ear listens” to it will consequently live, according to the wisdom of God. A teachable person belongs among the wise, for he who “listens to the life-giving reproof” shows that he is wise. The wise person wants to live to the glory of God. Reproof serves to remove from life that which prevents it. He who has an open ear for that, “will dwell among the wise” that is, he finds rest in the midst of the wise. He is one of them.

“He who neglects discipline”, which goes beyond refusing to listen to reproof, “despises himself” (Proverbs 15:32). He thinks no one should interfere with his life. He wants to live as he thinks best for himself. It escapes him that by such an attitude he despises his life. The discipline is meant to make him live the true life, that is, as God has meant it to be lived. That gives full satisfaction to life.

He who “listen to reproof acquires understanding”; he acquires understanding of himself and of life. Then one can grow spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. He will know how to live to God’s glory. For his neighbor, he will seek not evil, but good and know what God requires of him.

He who is guided in his life by “the fear of the LORD” is constantly instructed, in the sense of being taught, to walk wisely through life (Proverbs 15:33), for “the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 9:10). He knows how to make the right choice when there is a need to choose and so also to avoid evil. His life is attuned to doing the will of God.

The first effect of wisdom is that it produces “humility” in the righteous. The fear of God is accompanied by humility. Where there is the one, there is also the other. The one is the way to wisdom; the other is the way to honor. Humility is a mind of heart that we must learn. We can learn humility from Him Who is Wisdom. He said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Humble submission in trust in the Lord brings “wisdom” and “honor”. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself and was exalted by God. He is the example of what He says to us: “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11b). Our exaltation, the honor we will receive, depends on our humiliation. If we humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God”, He will exalt us “at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).

Ecclesiastes 10:12

To Listen and to Fear Is Life, Wisdom and Honor

“Reproof” can be painful, but “he whose ear listens” to it will consequently live, according to the wisdom of God. A teachable person belongs among the wise, for he who “listens to the life-giving reproof” shows that he is wise. The wise person wants to live to the glory of God. Reproof serves to remove from life that which prevents it. He who has an open ear for that, “will dwell among the wise” that is, he finds rest in the midst of the wise. He is one of them.

“He who neglects discipline”, which goes beyond refusing to listen to reproof, “despises himself” (Proverbs 15:32). He thinks no one should interfere with his life. He wants to live as he thinks best for himself. It escapes him that by such an attitude he despises his life. The discipline is meant to make him live the true life, that is, as God has meant it to be lived. That gives full satisfaction to life.

He who “listen to reproof acquires understanding”; he acquires understanding of himself and of life. Then one can grow spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. He will know how to live to God’s glory. For his neighbor, he will seek not evil, but good and know what God requires of him.

He who is guided in his life by “the fear of the LORD” is constantly instructed, in the sense of being taught, to walk wisely through life (Proverbs 15:33), for “the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 9:10). He knows how to make the right choice when there is a need to choose and so also to avoid evil. His life is attuned to doing the will of God.

The first effect of wisdom is that it produces “humility” in the righteous. The fear of God is accompanied by humility. Where there is the one, there is also the other. The one is the way to wisdom; the other is the way to honor. Humility is a mind of heart that we must learn. We can learn humility from Him Who is Wisdom. He said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Humble submission in trust in the Lord brings “wisdom” and “honor”. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself and was exalted by God. He is the example of what He says to us: “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11b). Our exaltation, the honor we will receive, depends on our humiliation. If we humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God”, He will exalt us “at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).

Ecclesiastes 10:14

The LORD Is Sovereign

Proverbs 16:1 indicates that the LORD is above “the plans of the heart” of a “man”. The word “but” at the beginning of the second line of verse assumes a contrast with the first line of verse. The first line of verse is about man and the plans he has in his heart. In the second line of verse it is about “the LORD” Who makes “the answer of the tongue” come from man. That “the LORD” (Yahweh) is spoken of here and in the following verses shows that the emphasis is on God’s relationship with man.

Man can and may have plans in his heart. The word “plans” has to do with setting up a plan in regular order with the goal of carrying it out that way. But when it is about execution, it is important to realize that God has the last word. He decides its execution, and it may well be different from what man had imagined. It is about recognizing God in carrying out the plans a man makes.

It is a general proverb that applies to every human being, believer and unbeliever. An unbeliever does not acknowledge God or involve Him in his plans and their execution. Yet even here God has the last word. An example of this is Bileam. He had plans in his heart to curse God’s people, but God ordered him to speak blessings over His people (Numbers 23-24).

Proverbs 16:2 indicates that the LORD is above man’s “ways”. By “ways” is meant the totality of his ways, his whole conduct and walk, everything he says and does. When man judges himself, when he looks at himself with his own eyes, he finds that he is “clean”. He sees no uncleanness in his motives. But because he judges himself, he cannot be objective. Lack of self-knowledge and the high probability of self-deception make his self-assessment unreliable. The proverb assumes that such a premature opinion of himself is at best naive and at worst complacent.

But the LORD fathoms the behavior and knows its motives. He tests or tests the minds through which a person comes to self-judgment. In His light, it may become apparent that a person is far from clean in his motives. When God says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), this is true not only when we look at others, but also when we look at ourselves. Testing the spirits is more than just testing the motives. God also sees the mind in which a person speaks and works. Is there obedience or rebellion?

The conclusion is that we easily deceive ourselves and therefore are unable to fully evaluate ourselves. Only God comes to a perfect, all-pervading appraisal. Rational explanations and self-justification are peculiar to the nature of fallen man. But God sees through the smokescreen of these and knows what drives a person inwardly.

We can see the speck in our brother’s eye and at the same time be blind to the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3). We are blind to our own mistakes and think we are absolutely right. But the Lord knows us completely. When all is well, we are aware of nothing and at the same time we know that we are not justified by this, because the knowledge of ourselves is very limited. Therefore, it is good to leave the final judgment of ourselves and our service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).

Proverbs 16:3 indicates that the LORD is above the “works” of man. For our plans to succeed, we must depend on God. Therefore, we must commit our works, what we plan to do, to Him. The verb “commit” is literally “to roll”. The picture is that of rolling burdens. It implies that we cast off the care of the work, the project and its execution, like a stone from ourselves and roll it toward God, thus entrusting that care to Him (cf. Psalms 22:8 [literally: rolled]; Psalms 37:5; cf. Psalms 55:22). We do this by laying what concerns us in prayer before Him.

When we do that, our plans will be established, that is, carried out, come to fruition. It shows complete dependence on God. The success or failure of our plans does not depend on chance events or adversaries, but on God. Therefore, we must commit our works to Him. Committing means that we cast everything upon Him and leave it with Him (1 Peter 5:7). It is a one-time thing. It is good to begin the day by entrusting ourselves to Him for everything that will occupy us that day, planned or unplanned.

Proverbs 16:4 says that the LORD is above all His works, including the wicked. Everything He has made is part of His plan. Nothing exists by accident; there are no ‘loose ends’ in His world. He is at the beginning of everything and made everything with a purpose. Everything there is fulfills His purpose. That purpose is His glorification (Colossians 1:16). All His works will praise Him (Psalms 145:10).

The same is true for the wicked. If he ends up in judgment, it is because it suits his life. That is how God has ordained it. We must not draw the wrong conclusion from this that God would be the Author of evil. God cannot sin and does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13-15). From Him come only good things (James 1:16-18).

God made man good (Genesis 1:27; 31), but man began to behave wickedly (Ecclesiastes 7:29). God calls the wicked to repent (Acts 17:30), for He has no pleasure in the death of the sinner (Ezekiel 33:11). But if the latter does not repent before the day of judgment, he will perish in that day. The wicked and the day of doom belong together.

Ungodly people have not honored God in their lives. They will be forced to do so in judgment (Philippians 2:10-11). The wicked are not made to live wickedly and die wickedly. There is no being chosen to be rejected. The Lord Jesus says of Judas Iscariot that it would have been good for him “if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:25a). Judas is fully responsible for the choice he made to betray and deliver up the Lord Jesus for payment. At the same time, God knew how to use him to carry out His plan.

Everything has a purpose. The existence of the wicked seems to mock that purpose. Therefore, it is clearly stated here that “the wicked” was made “for the day of judgment”. The wicked focuses on the purpose assigned to him by God because of his wickedness. The judgment of the wicked – in which we can think especially, but not exclusively, of the antichrist, the man of sin – also shows God’s exaltation above all that He has made.

Proverbs 16:5 says that the LORD is above “everyone who is proud in heart”. The wicked of Pro 16:4b has followers: everyone who is proud in heart. “Proud” describes the arrogance of those who are presumptuous against God (2 Chronicles 26:16; cf. Psalms 131:1). It is not just the proud glance, but the pride in the heart by which a person exalts himself above everything and everyone. Pride is the hallmark of satan and the antichrist and all their followers. Because pride disputes the exaltation that God has above all and because the proud person wants to take that place himself, this sin is an abomination to Him. It is the sin of satan and man.

God will avenge that sin. That is absolutely certain, “assuredly”. These arrogant people will not go unpunished as innocents. God will humble all who are arrogant and proud (Isaiah 2:11-12).

Ecclesiastes 10:15

The LORD Is Sovereign

Proverbs 16:1 indicates that the LORD is above “the plans of the heart” of a “man”. The word “but” at the beginning of the second line of verse assumes a contrast with the first line of verse. The first line of verse is about man and the plans he has in his heart. In the second line of verse it is about “the LORD” Who makes “the answer of the tongue” come from man. That “the LORD” (Yahweh) is spoken of here and in the following verses shows that the emphasis is on God’s relationship with man.

Man can and may have plans in his heart. The word “plans” has to do with setting up a plan in regular order with the goal of carrying it out that way. But when it is about execution, it is important to realize that God has the last word. He decides its execution, and it may well be different from what man had imagined. It is about recognizing God in carrying out the plans a man makes.

It is a general proverb that applies to every human being, believer and unbeliever. An unbeliever does not acknowledge God or involve Him in his plans and their execution. Yet even here God has the last word. An example of this is Bileam. He had plans in his heart to curse God’s people, but God ordered him to speak blessings over His people (Numbers 23-24).

Proverbs 16:2 indicates that the LORD is above man’s “ways”. By “ways” is meant the totality of his ways, his whole conduct and walk, everything he says and does. When man judges himself, when he looks at himself with his own eyes, he finds that he is “clean”. He sees no uncleanness in his motives. But because he judges himself, he cannot be objective. Lack of self-knowledge and the high probability of self-deception make his self-assessment unreliable. The proverb assumes that such a premature opinion of himself is at best naive and at worst complacent.

But the LORD fathoms the behavior and knows its motives. He tests or tests the minds through which a person comes to self-judgment. In His light, it may become apparent that a person is far from clean in his motives. When God says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), this is true not only when we look at others, but also when we look at ourselves. Testing the spirits is more than just testing the motives. God also sees the mind in which a person speaks and works. Is there obedience or rebellion?

The conclusion is that we easily deceive ourselves and therefore are unable to fully evaluate ourselves. Only God comes to a perfect, all-pervading appraisal. Rational explanations and self-justification are peculiar to the nature of fallen man. But God sees through the smokescreen of these and knows what drives a person inwardly.

We can see the speck in our brother’s eye and at the same time be blind to the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3). We are blind to our own mistakes and think we are absolutely right. But the Lord knows us completely. When all is well, we are aware of nothing and at the same time we know that we are not justified by this, because the knowledge of ourselves is very limited. Therefore, it is good to leave the final judgment of ourselves and our service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).

Proverbs 16:3 indicates that the LORD is above the “works” of man. For our plans to succeed, we must depend on God. Therefore, we must commit our works, what we plan to do, to Him. The verb “commit” is literally “to roll”. The picture is that of rolling burdens. It implies that we cast off the care of the work, the project and its execution, like a stone from ourselves and roll it toward God, thus entrusting that care to Him (cf. Psalms 22:8 [literally: rolled]; Psalms 37:5; cf. Psalms 55:22). We do this by laying what concerns us in prayer before Him.

When we do that, our plans will be established, that is, carried out, come to fruition. It shows complete dependence on God. The success or failure of our plans does not depend on chance events or adversaries, but on God. Therefore, we must commit our works to Him. Committing means that we cast everything upon Him and leave it with Him (1 Peter 5:7). It is a one-time thing. It is good to begin the day by entrusting ourselves to Him for everything that will occupy us that day, planned or unplanned.

Proverbs 16:4 says that the LORD is above all His works, including the wicked. Everything He has made is part of His plan. Nothing exists by accident; there are no ‘loose ends’ in His world. He is at the beginning of everything and made everything with a purpose. Everything there is fulfills His purpose. That purpose is His glorification (Colossians 1:16). All His works will praise Him (Psalms 145:10).

The same is true for the wicked. If he ends up in judgment, it is because it suits his life. That is how God has ordained it. We must not draw the wrong conclusion from this that God would be the Author of evil. God cannot sin and does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13-15). From Him come only good things (James 1:16-18).

God made man good (Genesis 1:27; 31), but man began to behave wickedly (Ecclesiastes 7:29). God calls the wicked to repent (Acts 17:30), for He has no pleasure in the death of the sinner (Ezekiel 33:11). But if the latter does not repent before the day of judgment, he will perish in that day. The wicked and the day of doom belong together.

Ungodly people have not honored God in their lives. They will be forced to do so in judgment (Philippians 2:10-11). The wicked are not made to live wickedly and die wickedly. There is no being chosen to be rejected. The Lord Jesus says of Judas Iscariot that it would have been good for him “if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:25a). Judas is fully responsible for the choice he made to betray and deliver up the Lord Jesus for payment. At the same time, God knew how to use him to carry out His plan.

Everything has a purpose. The existence of the wicked seems to mock that purpose. Therefore, it is clearly stated here that “the wicked” was made “for the day of judgment”. The wicked focuses on the purpose assigned to him by God because of his wickedness. The judgment of the wicked – in which we can think especially, but not exclusively, of the antichrist, the man of sin – also shows God’s exaltation above all that He has made.

Proverbs 16:5 says that the LORD is above “everyone who is proud in heart”. The wicked of Pro 16:4b has followers: everyone who is proud in heart. “Proud” describes the arrogance of those who are presumptuous against God (2 Chronicles 26:16; cf. Psalms 131:1). It is not just the proud glance, but the pride in the heart by which a person exalts himself above everything and everyone. Pride is the hallmark of satan and the antichrist and all their followers. Because pride disputes the exaltation that God has above all and because the proud person wants to take that place himself, this sin is an abomination to Him. It is the sin of satan and man.

God will avenge that sin. That is absolutely certain, “assuredly”. These arrogant people will not go unpunished as innocents. God will humble all who are arrogant and proud (Isaiah 2:11-12).

Ecclesiastes 10:16

The LORD Is Sovereign

Proverbs 16:1 indicates that the LORD is above “the plans of the heart” of a “man”. The word “but” at the beginning of the second line of verse assumes a contrast with the first line of verse. The first line of verse is about man and the plans he has in his heart. In the second line of verse it is about “the LORD” Who makes “the answer of the tongue” come from man. That “the LORD” (Yahweh) is spoken of here and in the following verses shows that the emphasis is on God’s relationship with man.

Man can and may have plans in his heart. The word “plans” has to do with setting up a plan in regular order with the goal of carrying it out that way. But when it is about execution, it is important to realize that God has the last word. He decides its execution, and it may well be different from what man had imagined. It is about recognizing God in carrying out the plans a man makes.

It is a general proverb that applies to every human being, believer and unbeliever. An unbeliever does not acknowledge God or involve Him in his plans and their execution. Yet even here God has the last word. An example of this is Bileam. He had plans in his heart to curse God’s people, but God ordered him to speak blessings over His people (Numbers 23-24).

Proverbs 16:2 indicates that the LORD is above man’s “ways”. By “ways” is meant the totality of his ways, his whole conduct and walk, everything he says and does. When man judges himself, when he looks at himself with his own eyes, he finds that he is “clean”. He sees no uncleanness in his motives. But because he judges himself, he cannot be objective. Lack of self-knowledge and the high probability of self-deception make his self-assessment unreliable. The proverb assumes that such a premature opinion of himself is at best naive and at worst complacent.

But the LORD fathoms the behavior and knows its motives. He tests or tests the minds through which a person comes to self-judgment. In His light, it may become apparent that a person is far from clean in his motives. When God says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), this is true not only when we look at others, but also when we look at ourselves. Testing the spirits is more than just testing the motives. God also sees the mind in which a person speaks and works. Is there obedience or rebellion?

The conclusion is that we easily deceive ourselves and therefore are unable to fully evaluate ourselves. Only God comes to a perfect, all-pervading appraisal. Rational explanations and self-justification are peculiar to the nature of fallen man. But God sees through the smokescreen of these and knows what drives a person inwardly.

We can see the speck in our brother’s eye and at the same time be blind to the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3). We are blind to our own mistakes and think we are absolutely right. But the Lord knows us completely. When all is well, we are aware of nothing and at the same time we know that we are not justified by this, because the knowledge of ourselves is very limited. Therefore, it is good to leave the final judgment of ourselves and our service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).

Proverbs 16:3 indicates that the LORD is above the “works” of man. For our plans to succeed, we must depend on God. Therefore, we must commit our works, what we plan to do, to Him. The verb “commit” is literally “to roll”. The picture is that of rolling burdens. It implies that we cast off the care of the work, the project and its execution, like a stone from ourselves and roll it toward God, thus entrusting that care to Him (cf. Psalms 22:8 [literally: rolled]; Psalms 37:5; cf. Psalms 55:22). We do this by laying what concerns us in prayer before Him.

When we do that, our plans will be established, that is, carried out, come to fruition. It shows complete dependence on God. The success or failure of our plans does not depend on chance events or adversaries, but on God. Therefore, we must commit our works to Him. Committing means that we cast everything upon Him and leave it with Him (1 Peter 5:7). It is a one-time thing. It is good to begin the day by entrusting ourselves to Him for everything that will occupy us that day, planned or unplanned.

Proverbs 16:4 says that the LORD is above all His works, including the wicked. Everything He has made is part of His plan. Nothing exists by accident; there are no ‘loose ends’ in His world. He is at the beginning of everything and made everything with a purpose. Everything there is fulfills His purpose. That purpose is His glorification (Colossians 1:16). All His works will praise Him (Psalms 145:10).

The same is true for the wicked. If he ends up in judgment, it is because it suits his life. That is how God has ordained it. We must not draw the wrong conclusion from this that God would be the Author of evil. God cannot sin and does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13-15). From Him come only good things (James 1:16-18).

God made man good (Genesis 1:27; 31), but man began to behave wickedly (Ecclesiastes 7:29). God calls the wicked to repent (Acts 17:30), for He has no pleasure in the death of the sinner (Ezekiel 33:11). But if the latter does not repent before the day of judgment, he will perish in that day. The wicked and the day of doom belong together.

Ungodly people have not honored God in their lives. They will be forced to do so in judgment (Philippians 2:10-11). The wicked are not made to live wickedly and die wickedly. There is no being chosen to be rejected. The Lord Jesus says of Judas Iscariot that it would have been good for him “if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:25a). Judas is fully responsible for the choice he made to betray and deliver up the Lord Jesus for payment. At the same time, God knew how to use him to carry out His plan.

Everything has a purpose. The existence of the wicked seems to mock that purpose. Therefore, it is clearly stated here that “the wicked” was made “for the day of judgment”. The wicked focuses on the purpose assigned to him by God because of his wickedness. The judgment of the wicked – in which we can think especially, but not exclusively, of the antichrist, the man of sin – also shows God’s exaltation above all that He has made.

Proverbs 16:5 says that the LORD is above “everyone who is proud in heart”. The wicked of Pro 16:4b has followers: everyone who is proud in heart. “Proud” describes the arrogance of those who are presumptuous against God (2 Chronicles 26:16; cf. Psalms 131:1). It is not just the proud glance, but the pride in the heart by which a person exalts himself above everything and everyone. Pride is the hallmark of satan and the antichrist and all their followers. Because pride disputes the exaltation that God has above all and because the proud person wants to take that place himself, this sin is an abomination to Him. It is the sin of satan and man.

God will avenge that sin. That is absolutely certain, “assuredly”. These arrogant people will not go unpunished as innocents. God will humble all who are arrogant and proud (Isaiah 2:11-12).

Ecclesiastes 10:17

The LORD Is Sovereign

Proverbs 16:1 indicates that the LORD is above “the plans of the heart” of a “man”. The word “but” at the beginning of the second line of verse assumes a contrast with the first line of verse. The first line of verse is about man and the plans he has in his heart. In the second line of verse it is about “the LORD” Who makes “the answer of the tongue” come from man. That “the LORD” (Yahweh) is spoken of here and in the following verses shows that the emphasis is on God’s relationship with man.

Man can and may have plans in his heart. The word “plans” has to do with setting up a plan in regular order with the goal of carrying it out that way. But when it is about execution, it is important to realize that God has the last word. He decides its execution, and it may well be different from what man had imagined. It is about recognizing God in carrying out the plans a man makes.

It is a general proverb that applies to every human being, believer and unbeliever. An unbeliever does not acknowledge God or involve Him in his plans and their execution. Yet even here God has the last word. An example of this is Bileam. He had plans in his heart to curse God’s people, but God ordered him to speak blessings over His people (Numbers 23-24).

Proverbs 16:2 indicates that the LORD is above man’s “ways”. By “ways” is meant the totality of his ways, his whole conduct and walk, everything he says and does. When man judges himself, when he looks at himself with his own eyes, he finds that he is “clean”. He sees no uncleanness in his motives. But because he judges himself, he cannot be objective. Lack of self-knowledge and the high probability of self-deception make his self-assessment unreliable. The proverb assumes that such a premature opinion of himself is at best naive and at worst complacent.

But the LORD fathoms the behavior and knows its motives. He tests or tests the minds through which a person comes to self-judgment. In His light, it may become apparent that a person is far from clean in his motives. When God says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), this is true not only when we look at others, but also when we look at ourselves. Testing the spirits is more than just testing the motives. God also sees the mind in which a person speaks and works. Is there obedience or rebellion?

The conclusion is that we easily deceive ourselves and therefore are unable to fully evaluate ourselves. Only God comes to a perfect, all-pervading appraisal. Rational explanations and self-justification are peculiar to the nature of fallen man. But God sees through the smokescreen of these and knows what drives a person inwardly.

We can see the speck in our brother’s eye and at the same time be blind to the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3). We are blind to our own mistakes and think we are absolutely right. But the Lord knows us completely. When all is well, we are aware of nothing and at the same time we know that we are not justified by this, because the knowledge of ourselves is very limited. Therefore, it is good to leave the final judgment of ourselves and our service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).

Proverbs 16:3 indicates that the LORD is above the “works” of man. For our plans to succeed, we must depend on God. Therefore, we must commit our works, what we plan to do, to Him. The verb “commit” is literally “to roll”. The picture is that of rolling burdens. It implies that we cast off the care of the work, the project and its execution, like a stone from ourselves and roll it toward God, thus entrusting that care to Him (cf. Psalms 22:8 [literally: rolled]; Psalms 37:5; cf. Psalms 55:22). We do this by laying what concerns us in prayer before Him.

When we do that, our plans will be established, that is, carried out, come to fruition. It shows complete dependence on God. The success or failure of our plans does not depend on chance events or adversaries, but on God. Therefore, we must commit our works to Him. Committing means that we cast everything upon Him and leave it with Him (1 Peter 5:7). It is a one-time thing. It is good to begin the day by entrusting ourselves to Him for everything that will occupy us that day, planned or unplanned.

Proverbs 16:4 says that the LORD is above all His works, including the wicked. Everything He has made is part of His plan. Nothing exists by accident; there are no ‘loose ends’ in His world. He is at the beginning of everything and made everything with a purpose. Everything there is fulfills His purpose. That purpose is His glorification (Colossians 1:16). All His works will praise Him (Psalms 145:10).

The same is true for the wicked. If he ends up in judgment, it is because it suits his life. That is how God has ordained it. We must not draw the wrong conclusion from this that God would be the Author of evil. God cannot sin and does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13-15). From Him come only good things (James 1:16-18).

God made man good (Genesis 1:27; 31), but man began to behave wickedly (Ecclesiastes 7:29). God calls the wicked to repent (Acts 17:30), for He has no pleasure in the death of the sinner (Ezekiel 33:11). But if the latter does not repent before the day of judgment, he will perish in that day. The wicked and the day of doom belong together.

Ungodly people have not honored God in their lives. They will be forced to do so in judgment (Philippians 2:10-11). The wicked are not made to live wickedly and die wickedly. There is no being chosen to be rejected. The Lord Jesus says of Judas Iscariot that it would have been good for him “if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:25a). Judas is fully responsible for the choice he made to betray and deliver up the Lord Jesus for payment. At the same time, God knew how to use him to carry out His plan.

Everything has a purpose. The existence of the wicked seems to mock that purpose. Therefore, it is clearly stated here that “the wicked” was made “for the day of judgment”. The wicked focuses on the purpose assigned to him by God because of his wickedness. The judgment of the wicked – in which we can think especially, but not exclusively, of the antichrist, the man of sin – also shows God’s exaltation above all that He has made.

Proverbs 16:5 says that the LORD is above “everyone who is proud in heart”. The wicked of Pro 16:4b has followers: everyone who is proud in heart. “Proud” describes the arrogance of those who are presumptuous against God (2 Chronicles 26:16; cf. Psalms 131:1). It is not just the proud glance, but the pride in the heart by which a person exalts himself above everything and everyone. Pride is the hallmark of satan and the antichrist and all their followers. Because pride disputes the exaltation that God has above all and because the proud person wants to take that place himself, this sin is an abomination to Him. It is the sin of satan and man.

God will avenge that sin. That is absolutely certain, “assuredly”. These arrogant people will not go unpunished as innocents. God will humble all who are arrogant and proud (Isaiah 2:11-12).

Ecclesiastes 10:18

The LORD Is Sovereign

Proverbs 16:1 indicates that the LORD is above “the plans of the heart” of a “man”. The word “but” at the beginning of the second line of verse assumes a contrast with the first line of verse. The first line of verse is about man and the plans he has in his heart. In the second line of verse it is about “the LORD” Who makes “the answer of the tongue” come from man. That “the LORD” (Yahweh) is spoken of here and in the following verses shows that the emphasis is on God’s relationship with man.

Man can and may have plans in his heart. The word “plans” has to do with setting up a plan in regular order with the goal of carrying it out that way. But when it is about execution, it is important to realize that God has the last word. He decides its execution, and it may well be different from what man had imagined. It is about recognizing God in carrying out the plans a man makes.

It is a general proverb that applies to every human being, believer and unbeliever. An unbeliever does not acknowledge God or involve Him in his plans and their execution. Yet even here God has the last word. An example of this is Bileam. He had plans in his heart to curse God’s people, but God ordered him to speak blessings over His people (Numbers 23-24).

Proverbs 16:2 indicates that the LORD is above man’s “ways”. By “ways” is meant the totality of his ways, his whole conduct and walk, everything he says and does. When man judges himself, when he looks at himself with his own eyes, he finds that he is “clean”. He sees no uncleanness in his motives. But because he judges himself, he cannot be objective. Lack of self-knowledge and the high probability of self-deception make his self-assessment unreliable. The proverb assumes that such a premature opinion of himself is at best naive and at worst complacent.

But the LORD fathoms the behavior and knows its motives. He tests or tests the minds through which a person comes to self-judgment. In His light, it may become apparent that a person is far from clean in his motives. When God says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), this is true not only when we look at others, but also when we look at ourselves. Testing the spirits is more than just testing the motives. God also sees the mind in which a person speaks and works. Is there obedience or rebellion?

The conclusion is that we easily deceive ourselves and therefore are unable to fully evaluate ourselves. Only God comes to a perfect, all-pervading appraisal. Rational explanations and self-justification are peculiar to the nature of fallen man. But God sees through the smokescreen of these and knows what drives a person inwardly.

We can see the speck in our brother’s eye and at the same time be blind to the log in our own eye (Matthew 7:3). We are blind to our own mistakes and think we are absolutely right. But the Lord knows us completely. When all is well, we are aware of nothing and at the same time we know that we are not justified by this, because the knowledge of ourselves is very limited. Therefore, it is good to leave the final judgment of ourselves and our service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).

Proverbs 16:3 indicates that the LORD is above the “works” of man. For our plans to succeed, we must depend on God. Therefore, we must commit our works, what we plan to do, to Him. The verb “commit” is literally “to roll”. The picture is that of rolling burdens. It implies that we cast off the care of the work, the project and its execution, like a stone from ourselves and roll it toward God, thus entrusting that care to Him (cf. Psalms 22:8 [literally: rolled]; Psalms 37:5; cf. Psalms 55:22). We do this by laying what concerns us in prayer before Him.

When we do that, our plans will be established, that is, carried out, come to fruition. It shows complete dependence on God. The success or failure of our plans does not depend on chance events or adversaries, but on God. Therefore, we must commit our works to Him. Committing means that we cast everything upon Him and leave it with Him (1 Peter 5:7). It is a one-time thing. It is good to begin the day by entrusting ourselves to Him for everything that will occupy us that day, planned or unplanned.

Proverbs 16:4 says that the LORD is above all His works, including the wicked. Everything He has made is part of His plan. Nothing exists by accident; there are no ‘loose ends’ in His world. He is at the beginning of everything and made everything with a purpose. Everything there is fulfills His purpose. That purpose is His glorification (Colossians 1:16). All His works will praise Him (Psalms 145:10).

The same is true for the wicked. If he ends up in judgment, it is because it suits his life. That is how God has ordained it. We must not draw the wrong conclusion from this that God would be the Author of evil. God cannot sin and does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13-15). From Him come only good things (James 1:16-18).

God made man good (Genesis 1:27; 31), but man began to behave wickedly (Ecclesiastes 7:29). God calls the wicked to repent (Acts 17:30), for He has no pleasure in the death of the sinner (Ezekiel 33:11). But if the latter does not repent before the day of judgment, he will perish in that day. The wicked and the day of doom belong together.

Ungodly people have not honored God in their lives. They will be forced to do so in judgment (Philippians 2:10-11). The wicked are not made to live wickedly and die wickedly. There is no being chosen to be rejected. The Lord Jesus says of Judas Iscariot that it would have been good for him “if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:25a). Judas is fully responsible for the choice he made to betray and deliver up the Lord Jesus for payment. At the same time, God knew how to use him to carry out His plan.

Everything has a purpose. The existence of the wicked seems to mock that purpose. Therefore, it is clearly stated here that “the wicked” was made “for the day of judgment”. The wicked focuses on the purpose assigned to him by God because of his wickedness. The judgment of the wicked – in which we can think especially, but not exclusively, of the antichrist, the man of sin – also shows God’s exaltation above all that He has made.

Proverbs 16:5 says that the LORD is above “everyone who is proud in heart”. The wicked of Pro 16:4b has followers: everyone who is proud in heart. “Proud” describes the arrogance of those who are presumptuous against God (2 Chronicles 26:16; cf. Psalms 131:1). It is not just the proud glance, but the pride in the heart by which a person exalts himself above everything and everyone. Pride is the hallmark of satan and the antichrist and all their followers. Because pride disputes the exaltation that God has above all and because the proud person wants to take that place himself, this sin is an abomination to Him. It is the sin of satan and man.

God will avenge that sin. That is absolutely certain, “assuredly”. These arrogant people will not go unpunished as innocents. God will humble all who are arrogant and proud (Isaiah 2:11-12).

Ecclesiastes 10:19

To Live Under the Sovereignty of God

In Proverbs 16:6, it is about complete deliverance from sin, what brought about that deliverance, and what is the practical consequence. The first line of verse speaks of the atonement of iniquity. The second line of verse speaks of keeping away from evil.

“Lovingkindness and truth” are characteristics of God. They become particularly evident on the cross (Psalms 85:10). God, through the cross work of His Son Jesus Christ, worked atonement for everyone who believes. His lovingkindness speaks of Him being full of goodness and love for man. He has shown this in the gift of His Son.

His faithfulness has to do with His faithfulness to the truth. He cannot ignore sin without question. Sin must be judged. He has done that in the judgment He brought upon His Son. His faithfulness to the truth also includes reconciling to Himself each one who accepts the sacrifice He has brought in Christ.

Whoever shares in the atonement of his iniquities is delivered from the power of sin. In his life it will be seen that he no longer serves sin and that he keeps away from evil. He cannot do this in his own strength. The impetus for this lies in “the fear of the LORD”. Out of love and reverence for God, he will no longer want to have anything to do with evil, with sin, in order to live only to the glory of God (Titus 2:11-12).

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD”, it is because they remind Him of the ways the Lord Jesus went on earth in which He had perfect pleasure (Proverbs 16:7). Those ways initially evoke hatred on the part of the world and not peace. Yet enemies will acknowledge the benefit of such a way and seek friendship with him because of that benefit.

A lifestyle that pleases God disarms social hostility. The life that pleases God is a life lived by faith (Hebrews 11:6). It will be blameless and find grace with others. God can bring about that. It is not about all enmity from all enemies, but in certain situations, where He wants it. A person can be charged by enemies and thrown into prison. In prison, God can work the hearts of fellow prisoners to accept and appreciate the believer. Joseph experienced this.

We must remember that this proverb should not be declared valid for all situations. Another rule, which is equally valid, is that believers have tribulation in the world (John 16:33), just as “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus” will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

The few possessions a person has, but obtained in a righteous manner, are better than “great income” obtained in an unfair manner, “with injustice”, without being entitled to it (Proverbs 16:8). “Little” does not necessarily mean extreme poverty; it could refer to a modest income. It is about what gives satisfaction in life, and that is God’s approval and fellowship with Him. God abhors dishonestly obtained income.

What is obtained dishonestly is also not used well. What is honestly earned is used well and that is to live on it and also to do good with it to others. What is obtained dishonestly is squandered in a licentious life. Once one has a taste for this, he is insatiable and will want to appropriate even more unrightfully to finance his luxurious lifestyle.

The widow in Zarephath, who had little but had with Elijah the resources of God in her home (1 Kings 17:10-15), was better off than Jezebel with her “great income with injustice” (2 Kings 9:32-37). In a spiritual sense, we can apply this to the church on earth. True believers, the true church, have little in earthly terms, but possess God’s righteousness in Christ. They have little power. Opposed to this is the false church, the roman-catholic system that boasts of possessing all spiritual wealth, but without entitlement. The true church has nothing but Christ; the false church has everything but Christ.

Proverbs 16:9 shows the contrast there can be between what we intend and what actually happens. God determines what actually happens. We may plan for the way we want to go. But if we want to take steps to go that way, we must keep in mind that ultimately the Lord directs our lives (Jeremiah 10:23; Psalms 37:23). The point is to learn to say: “If the Lord wills and we will live and also do this or that” (James 4:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:11).

Ecclesiastes 10:20

To Live Under the Sovereignty of God

In Proverbs 16:6, it is about complete deliverance from sin, what brought about that deliverance, and what is the practical consequence. The first line of verse speaks of the atonement of iniquity. The second line of verse speaks of keeping away from evil.

“Lovingkindness and truth” are characteristics of God. They become particularly evident on the cross (Psalms 85:10). God, through the cross work of His Son Jesus Christ, worked atonement for everyone who believes. His lovingkindness speaks of Him being full of goodness and love for man. He has shown this in the gift of His Son.

His faithfulness has to do with His faithfulness to the truth. He cannot ignore sin without question. Sin must be judged. He has done that in the judgment He brought upon His Son. His faithfulness to the truth also includes reconciling to Himself each one who accepts the sacrifice He has brought in Christ.

Whoever shares in the atonement of his iniquities is delivered from the power of sin. In his life it will be seen that he no longer serves sin and that he keeps away from evil. He cannot do this in his own strength. The impetus for this lies in “the fear of the LORD”. Out of love and reverence for God, he will no longer want to have anything to do with evil, with sin, in order to live only to the glory of God (Titus 2:11-12).

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD”, it is because they remind Him of the ways the Lord Jesus went on earth in which He had perfect pleasure (Proverbs 16:7). Those ways initially evoke hatred on the part of the world and not peace. Yet enemies will acknowledge the benefit of such a way and seek friendship with him because of that benefit.

A lifestyle that pleases God disarms social hostility. The life that pleases God is a life lived by faith (Hebrews 11:6). It will be blameless and find grace with others. God can bring about that. It is not about all enmity from all enemies, but in certain situations, where He wants it. A person can be charged by enemies and thrown into prison. In prison, God can work the hearts of fellow prisoners to accept and appreciate the believer. Joseph experienced this.

We must remember that this proverb should not be declared valid for all situations. Another rule, which is equally valid, is that believers have tribulation in the world (John 16:33), just as “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus” will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

The few possessions a person has, but obtained in a righteous manner, are better than “great income” obtained in an unfair manner, “with injustice”, without being entitled to it (Proverbs 16:8). “Little” does not necessarily mean extreme poverty; it could refer to a modest income. It is about what gives satisfaction in life, and that is God’s approval and fellowship with Him. God abhors dishonestly obtained income.

What is obtained dishonestly is also not used well. What is honestly earned is used well and that is to live on it and also to do good with it to others. What is obtained dishonestly is squandered in a licentious life. Once one has a taste for this, he is insatiable and will want to appropriate even more unrightfully to finance his luxurious lifestyle.

The widow in Zarephath, who had little but had with Elijah the resources of God in her home (1 Kings 17:10-15), was better off than Jezebel with her “great income with injustice” (2 Kings 9:32-37). In a spiritual sense, we can apply this to the church on earth. True believers, the true church, have little in earthly terms, but possess God’s righteousness in Christ. They have little power. Opposed to this is the false church, the roman-catholic system that boasts of possessing all spiritual wealth, but without entitlement. The true church has nothing but Christ; the false church has everything but Christ.

Proverbs 16:9 shows the contrast there can be between what we intend and what actually happens. God determines what actually happens. We may plan for the way we want to go. But if we want to take steps to go that way, we must keep in mind that ultimately the Lord directs our lives (Jeremiah 10:23; Psalms 37:23). The point is to learn to say: “If the Lord wills and we will live and also do this or that” (James 4:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:11).