Join me in a study on the Proverbs: God’s Wisdom for Today. As you read through the Proverbs, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these devotional bits of encouragement to your own life. Today, we study and reflect on Proverbs 16.
Reflection
Scripture says the human heart is deceitfully wicked. It cannot be trusted. It can con us. We need to be careful, watchful, and honest with ourselves. The Bible tells us to test our motives. Are they self-serving or godly? Do my motives focus on my wishes at the expense of hurting the other people in my life? Am I seeking to benefit myself and not honor others? Who am I stepping on to get my own desires? You see, anyone can talk themselves into believing almost anything. We are all capable of manipulating people and circumstances for our own ends. And wrong motives can damage your marriage, hurt your family, impact your relationships at work, and most importantly derail your relationship with Jesus. God says, “weigh your heart, because if you don’t, I will.” We need to commit our hearts, minds, and plans to the Lord. Join me in praying these Bible prayers— “Lord, see if there be any wicked way in me and cleanse me from every sin and set me free.” “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Today, and each day, let us commit our heart and ways to Him. God will bless those who do.
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:2-3