Heart Matters

Proverbs 16:1-11

1 The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the spirits.

3 Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established.

4 The LORD has made all for Himself,
Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

6 In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

7 When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.

9 A man's heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.

10 Divination is on the lips of the king;
His mouth must not transgress in judgment.

11 Honest weights and scales are the LORD's;
All the weights in the bag are His work.

Heart matters show the heart matters to God above all else.  Though we prepare our hearts according to what fills our desires and follow our own reasoning of the mind (Jeremiah 10:23), God gives us the right words from above to speak righteously and well (Jeremiah 1:7, 9, Matthew 10:19).  Yes, we imagine that all the ways we plan and construct are perfect and right to our way of thinking and reasoning, but God tests our spirit to reveal the real intent of the heart and mind in each of us.  He knows us more than we believe and are so convinced that we do.  Our old nature needs new eyes for clear vision of where we stand and the path ahead as we walk with Him.  Therefore, we must hand over all we plan and do to the Lord so that He can establish our hearts right before His sight.  If we yield to His Spirit and word written on our hearts (which Solomon did not have yet because Christ had not come and left His Spirit in His people), then He will lead and guide (Psalm 31:3) us for His name’s sake.  This is because God has created His people for Himself, and even the evil ones according to His word and plan in His sovereignty (Romans 9:22-24).  There are those for destruction and those for mercy according to that eternal plan, a truth which we are most uncomfortable with.  He has made us all accountable and pours our mercy on His chosen people for Himself.  The unchecked pride of men deserves punishment and will certainly receive it if eternal amnesty is not given to atone once and for all for the vessels of mercy, because the wrath of God remains on the proud who deny and reject Him, His word, and His work in the Messiah for us.  Yes, God’s atonement to cover our sin and pay the price of eternal death is according to His mercy and truth according to His word of grace.  That understanding should lead us to repentance though God-given faith to fear that due punishment (Matthew 25:46, 1 John 4:17-18) and stop sinning.  If we then live to please God, even our enemies may be at peace as we show grace and peace to them (Romans 12:18).  In the end we find contentment in godliness is far better than unjust riches and seeking gain at the expense of others (1 Timothy 6:6).  Though we plan and map out our lives along the few years we have on this earth, it is essential that we acknowledge it is God who directs our steps so we can walk confidently by faith and not by our limited mortal vision (2 Corinthians 5:7).  If we are in positions of power to rule as God has placed us, then this should cause us to speak and act righteously and fairly to others as well.  God guides our steps in all walks of life, for this life is walked out accordingly to His plan and with our accountability.  These heart matters do matter, and wisdom leads us to acknowledge, understand, and apply them as we put one foot in front of another by His leading and guidance.