The Preparations of the Heart Belong to Man...

Proverbs 16:1 -- “The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”

To make plans, God gave us eyes, ears, and minds, and He wants us to use them. “Much counsel produces good plans (Proverbs 11:14),” and “Learn from the ant how to plan for winter (Proverbs 6:6-8).” “Let go and let God” is a stupid and harmful directive for living a godly life. If it sounds spiritual to you, think again.

One variety of planning involves thinking ahead how to say something well, the “preparations of the heart” in the proverb. By “heart,” the Bible usually means our thoughts: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).” God made us able to think in words, like God Himself who spoke and the world came to be (Psalm 33:9). So a man planning to ask a woman to marry him, will think when, where, and exactly what to say. An employee will do the same, as she gets ready to ask for a raise. And surely if there is anything over which we have full control, it is a speech that we ourselves plan to give.

Yet, even here, Solomon warns that the answer of the tongue is from the LORD, as we all discover. The man asking, “Will you marry me?” may trip over his words so badly that all he gets is laughter, or he may sound as romantic as Romeo or Cyrano. The worker asking for a raise may hit just the right note of firmness and respect, or she may convince her boss that she should be replaced. The prophet Balaam came at the request of the King of Moab to curse Israel, but God gave him only words of blessing (Numbers 22-24). Only in one instance does the Bible tell us not to fret about what to say: when civil rulers make us answer for our faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will teach us what to say (Matthew 10:19).

If even words we plan are subject to the LORD’s final say, how much more all other plans. So the point of the proverb is to plan, but do it humbly. James wrote, “Here is the answer to those who talk like this: ‘Today or tomorrow we are off to this or that town; we are going to spend a year there, trading, and make some money.’ You never know what will happen tomorrow: you are no more than a mist that is here for a little while and then disappears. The most you should ever say is this: ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we shall be alive to do this or that’ (James 4: 13-15 Jerusalem Bible).” “Man proposes, but God disposes,” is the short English version of this proverb. The wise remember that we can’t even be sure how our planned speeches will turn out. God always has the last word.

Learn How to Impact the World at Geneva College

Does the prospect of impacting the world excite you? Do you want a career that allows you to use your God-given talents to make a difference in your life, your community, and the world around you? If so, you should learn more about Geneva’s biblical studies program.

For more information, contact us at 855-979-5563 or web@geneva.edu. Get ready to make your mark on this world.

Dr. Bill Edgar, former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees, former Geneva College President and longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA)

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Dec 1, 2016

Biblical Wisdom

Biblical WisdomRelated Blog Posts

How Sweet Are Your Words: Geneva’s Cover to Cover Bible Reading Project

From February 19-26, the Bible was read cover to cover across campus. Students, faculty, and staff participated in reading aloud and listening to the word of God.

How to Spot a Wolf: Recognize Abusive Church Leadership Before It’s Too Late

What are the circumstances when honoring God means disobeying, fleeing, or even calling out those who minister in His name? Read here to learn Pastor Rutledge Etheridge's thoughts on the question!

Unfathomable Interrelationship

God has created all human beings to be in relationship with Himself, each other, and with nature. Read what Pastor Rutledge Etheridge has to say about the beautiful and unfathomable interrelationship that God has designed for his created beings.

Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, a Review and Reflection

Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, written by pastor Travis Scott, explores the short prophetic book of Habakkuk, in a practical and meaningful way through the lens of a doubter. Travis approaches the passage of scripture from an honest and humble perspective, recalling difficulties experienced as a husband, father, and pastor.

"Every Good Work"

Dr. J. Ligon Duncan of Reformed Theological Seminary delivered the spring 2021 Commencement address at Geneva College on May 10, 2021. Here is an excerpt of that message, entitled, "Every Good Work," from 2 Timothy 3. This excerpt first appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of Geneva Magazine.

It Is from the LORD that a Man Gets Justice

When the Bible teaches one thing and your “instincts,” as it were, disagree, whose wisdom do you trust, your own or God’s? Do we really need to be told not to trust in our own minds? Yes, because we want to trust ourselves, and because in our day putatively wise people constantly tell us that high self-esteem brings success.

Whoever Trusts in His Own Mind Is a Fool

7 Reasons Why Bible Study for College Students Can Help with Better Grades

As busy as college students are, it can be profoundly beneficial for them to seek out and engage in a routine Bible study. Diving deeper into their faith, exploring what the world’s challenges mean to them, and creating a Christian-based path forward can give any college student the direction he or she needs to achieve their best life. Still, it’s not always easy to make that decision—instead of a night with friends or yet another study session for a high-level math class, go to Bible study instead.

The Rest of Peace

Handing our cares and worries over to God gives us peace which keeps us from falling into doubt, as stated in Philippians. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Know Well the Condition of Your Flocks

What should someone with wealth do? Solomon writes, “Pay attention to it and know its condition.” He uses the example of sheep and goats. Wise parents blessed with wealth will teach their children how to work to maintain it. Wise children will accept the burdens of responsibility that go with family wealth, always remembering that riches do not last forever.