"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans" -Proverbs 16:3
Read Proverbs 16 as a whole (see below), full of great advice - wise and simple. Blunt. Notice the first and last verse - the words differ, yet the meaning is the same. When this happens, Biblical scholars immediately know to look at the central verses; this word structure is no accident - God wants us to pay attention. It’s verse 17: “The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.”
Anytime we see the words ‘highway’ and ‘way’, we know that Jesus is likely being referenced. [Isaiah 40:3; John 14:6] The Bible in its entirety has thousands upon thousands of cross-references likes this one. It helps to interpret and draw deeper meaning from the text. This one emphasizes that Jesus is the Lord and has you in the palm of His hand; by putting your trust in Him, you have the assurance that He will direct your decisions and is providing you with life’s treasure map! No fear here! He’s got you!
Proverbs 16
We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word.
We may think we know what is right, but the LORD is the judge of our motives.
Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed.
The LORD has a reason for everything He does
The LORD doesn't like anyone who is conceited— you can be sure they will be punished.
By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the LORD. By the fear of the LORD, evil is avoided.
When we please the LORD, even our enemies make friends with us.
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go.
Rulers speak with authority and are never wrong.
The LORD doesn't like it when we cheat in business.
Justice makes rulers powerful. They should hate evil and like honesty and truth.
An angry ruler can put you to death. So be wise! Don't make one angry.
When a ruler is happy and pleased with you, it's like refreshing rain, and you will live.
It's much better to be wise and sensible than to be rich.
The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
Too much pride will destroy you.
You are better off to be humble and poor than to get rich from what you take by force.
Good things happen to those who learn from their experiences, and the LORD blesses those who trust Him.
Good judgment proves that you are wise, and if you speak kindly, you can teach others.
Good sense is a fountain that gives life, but fools are punished by their foolishness.
You can persuade others if you are wise and speak sensibly.
Kind words are like honey— they cheer you up and make you feel strong.
Sometimes what seems right is really a road to death.
The hungrier you are, the harder you work.
Worthless people plan trouble. Even their words burn like a flaming fire.
Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.
Don't trust violent people. They will mislead you to do the wrong thing.
When someone winks or grins behind your back, trouble is on the way.
Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right.
Controlling your temper is better than being a hero who captures a city.
We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens.
Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026
