Proverbs 16: Commit to the Lord
Best for: Goal setting, overcoming pride
Overview
Proverbs 16 teaches that while humans plan, the Lord ultimately directs their steps. The chapter covers divine sovereignty, the danger of pride, the value of righteous speech, and the blessings of the gray head found in righteousness. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall — one of the most quoted verses in all of Scripture.
Key Verses
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."— Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."— Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Make your plans, but hold them loosely. God's purposes will prevail. This chapter frees us from the anxiety of control and invites us into humble dependence on His direction.
Practical Application
Write down your plans for this season, then pray over each one, asking God to redirect anything that doesn't align with His will. Watch for pride in your accomplishments.
Memorize This
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."— Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)
Discussion Questions
- Which of your current 'works' need to be re-committed to the Lord today?
- Where does pride (v. 18) most often appear in your life — and what comes before its fall?
- How does verse 9 reshape your planning?
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Read wisdom guideFrequently Asked Questions
What is Proverbs 16 about?
Proverbs 16 teaches that while humans plan, the Lord ultimately directs their steps. The chapter covers divine sovereignty, the danger of pride, the value of righteous speech, and the blessings of the gray head found in righteousness. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall — one of the most quoted verses in all of Scripture.
What does Proverbs 16 teach us?
Make your plans, but hold them loosely. God's purposes will prevail. This chapter frees us from the anxiety of control and invites us into humble dependence on His direction.
What are the key themes of Proverbs 16?
The key themes of Proverbs 16 include: Sovereignty, Humility, Planning, Pride.
When should I read Proverbs 16?
Proverbs 16 is especially relevant for: Goal setting, overcoming pride. Many people read it on the 16th of each month as part of a Proverbs-a-day plan.
Which of your current 'works' need to be re-committed to the Lord today?
Reflect on Proverbs 16 and consider how this question applies to your daily walk in wisdom. Make your plans, but hold them loosely. God's purposes will prevail. This chapter frees us from the anxiety of control and invites us into humble dependence on His direction.
Where does pride (v. 18) most often appear in your life — and what comes before its fall?
Reflect on Proverbs 16 and consider how this question applies to your daily walk in wisdom. Make your plans, but hold them loosely. God's purposes will prevail. This chapter frees us from the anxiety of control and invites us into humble dependence on His direction.
How does verse 9 reshape your planning?
Reflect on Proverbs 16 and consider how this question applies to your daily walk in wisdom. Make your plans, but hold them loosely. God's purposes will prevail. This chapter frees us from the anxiety of control and invites us into humble dependence on His direction.