Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:33

by David Chadwick

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

Proverbs 16:33

Traditionally, casting lots has been a way to make a decision without bias and outside influence.

In biblical history, there are even some cases where the casting of lots was used to determine the Lord’s will, most notably in Acts 1:26. After Judas died, Peter, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, cast lots to determine who the twelfth disciple needed to be. And Matthias was chosen.

This proverb reminds us that even the random practice of casting lots is under God’s providential governance. Does this mean that we should regularly throw dice, or cast lots, to determine God’s will? No! But it does mean that everything, ALL things, are under God’s control when done in faith by people who really love God.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” There is not one situation that he is not using for our good and his glory. We should find enormous peace in this truth as we learn to trust God in all things and in every area of our lives.

Is there a tough decision you are facing right now? If so, this truth is for you.

You need not fear. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Very present. Available. Aware. Accessible. All of these words describe our great God! He is not distant. And keeps all of his promises to his children.

The Holy Spirit has been left as a helper to anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ. John 14:26 says that his job is to teach us and bring to our remembrance all that Jesus said to us. He guides us into all truth, which is one of his major jobs (John 16:13).

There is no safer place to be than following Jesus and seeking him with our whole heart. Whatever comes your way, always remember the ultimate decision comes from the Lord!

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:31

by David Chadwick

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Proverbs 16:31

Gray hair is a crown of glory and is gained by a righteous life. Some perspectives and insights only come through a righteous life. Often the only way that you can learn how to make wise decisions is by making wrong ones. And the only way you can learn from wrong decisions is to live long enough to learn from them!

I sometimes joke, as I look at the increasing number of gray hairs on my head, that I’ve earned every one of them. They have come through years of joys and sorrows, trials and victories, leading to many learned lessons.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to go to “gray hairs” when needing counsel and advice. Especially those who hunger and thirst after righteousness and whose desire is to love and obey God wholeheartedly. Those people who have sought to abide in Jesus, know God’s Word, and live by it. These are the ones who usually have insights that younger people do not have.

For those of you who have gray hair, I would also urge you to seek after the passion of the young. Joel 2 describes the last days, when God pours out his Spirit on all people, as being a time when old men will dream dreams and young men will see visions. “The wisdom of the old and the passion of the young” is a powerful combination. It creates insight in motion. Wisdom in action. These qualities bring powerful momentum to carry the Gospel forward.

And one final thought: if you are beginning to see a few gray hairs appear on your scalp, don’t despair! See each one as a new jewel in your crown of glory from God. Who knows? Maybe in heaven, everyone’s hair will be gray! A sign of a life marked by wisdom, closeness, and devotion to God.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:25

by David Chadwick

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that seems right at the moment, but the end result is really destructive. This principle speaks to the blessing of being aware of long-term consequences over short-term urges.

How do you make decisions? Do you surrender to an authority greater than yourself to lead and guide you? Or do you follow whichever whim or fancy you feel? If your answer is the latter, I would urge you to pause today and meditate on this teaching.

There is great danger in relying on feelings. An overemphasis on what seems right, what feels right, and what the world thinks is right can lead to deception. Instant gratification is a dangerous motivation. And so is a life that seeks to gain applause and immediate notoriety.

If something is not God’s will, if it’s not right, if it’s not good for you in the long run, yet you give in to the short-sighted fleshly desires, you will regret it. These are devilish traps that can ruin people’s lives later on. The broad path leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

Dear friends, we must immerse ourselves in God's Word. We must live for the future more than the moment, seeking to do what is right at every moment and always trusting that over time God will work things out for our good and his glory.

As followers of Jesus, we must always live for eternity, not for this temporary world. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Today, my prayer is that each of you will seek after an eternal perspective. Allow that mindset to be your driving force as you await our soon-coming King.