Day 355: Destiny - Proverbs 16 vs 26 - 33

26 A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. 27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 29 A man of violence entices his neighbour and leads him in a way that is not good. 30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who  purses his lips brings evil to pass.

31 Grey hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. 32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:26-33 English Standard Version

What a contrast between the people described in vs 27 and vs 32. In fact, all four verses from 27 to 30 speak of how dishonesty, deception, and schemes, lead to divisions, and are like fire that destroys. But the man or woman who keeps control over their spirit and doesn't allow anger to flare up, is compared to the strength of a conquering king who captures cities. The implication surely is that anger is often that rebellious part of our nature that needs subduing. Yes, there are times when righteous anger is appropriate, but anger is frequently just a weapon for fighting those we have a disagreement with and wanting to get our way.

This controlling of our spirit ties in with what today's verses say about outcomes in life. What is the outcome verse 31 suggests?

It's the truth taught in the Old Testament that loving God's commandments and living in the right way often leads to a long life. Obviously that is a general principle and doesn't mean that wicked people never reach old age. The New Testament reminds us too that many a righteous life may be cut short by persecution. But, even then, they go to the eternal life which God brought them into when they believed on Jesus as Messiah, Saviour and Lord.

What is the outcome spoken of in vs 26?

That may not look a big deal, but our appetites play a very big part in what becomes of our life. The hunger for sinful pleasures will urge people on to more and more indecency. But the opposite is also true. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6) What do we hunger for most in life - worldly treasures and pleasures, or God's righteousness? Whichever it is will motivate our choices and decisions.

Speaking of decisions, it brings us to verse 33. A website called 'Got Questions' says “In spite of seventy references in the Old Testament to the practice of casting lots (and seven in the New) nothing is known about the actual 'lots' themselves. They could've been sticks of various lengths, flat coin-like stones, or some kind of dice; but their exact nature is unknown. The closest modern practice to casting lots is likely to flip a coin.” What then is the implication of verse 33?

I would say it's a reminder that our destiny is more in God's hands than ours. Yes, we must use the ability God has given us to reason and think things through. Yes, we should plan ahead for any venture we undertake or journey we are going on. And if we plan ahead for a short journey in this world, how much more should we plan ahead for eternity. So there is a sense in which our destiny is in our hands. But verse 33 should humble us to keep in mind that God is greater that we are. As James reminded businessmen in his day with their ambitious plans: “You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

Because Christians have the whole Old and New Testaments today, and God's Spirit living in them, casting lots is not something they usually resort to. Verse 3 of this chapter had said: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” That attitude of seeking God's will prayerfully in all we do is something that will definitely make our destiny a safer destination.