Thursday, August 8, 2024

Commit Your Work to the LORD! Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Commit your work to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.


The word "commit" in the above proverb actually is the Hebrew word for "roll." The concept here is that you and I are to "roll" our works to the Lord and that will allow them to be sustained (established ... or, become "firm"). There are a number of passages in God's Word that says the same thing:


Psalms 37:5 (ESV)

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him, and he will act.


Psalms 55:22 (ESV)

Cast your burden on the LORD,

and he will sustain you;

he will never permit

the righteous to be moved.


Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.


1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.


What Solomon is telling us is that the mere "rolling" of our burdens, plans and desires over to God allows Him the opportunity to work in those burdens, plans and desires and establish them, or bring them to firmness. In those above verses we are told to "cast" our cares on Him; "acknowledge" His rule over our cards and affairs; and, "commit" our plans to Him. In each verb used the noun is the same. We are to give all of our plans and burdens to God in a way that He is recognized as the Supreme overseer of those things and when we do they will be established or made firm. The thought there is that when we give them to Him we wouldn't give Him plans that are not worthy of His praise and approval. James tells us when we ask for things we are not to ask in our "own lusts." We are to ask with God's will and God's purpose in mind. So, committing your works and plans to the Lord is not just releasing them to Him for His magical blessing but making sure they are worthy of His blessing. Plans worthy of God's blessing with receive His blessing. See also:


Proverbs 16:4

The Lord has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.


Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.


Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.

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