Proverbs 21 & 22: The King’s Heart
Verse of the Day: (21:1) The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
1. The King’s heart (21:1-29)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. (21:2)
Many times we think we are in full control of our lives, until crises or tragedies happened to us that we realised that we are really helpless, and never in control of anything. King Solomon of Israel, the wisest and richest leader of the world at that time, penned these proverbs, inspired by God, after all the crises that happened in his life that he realised that his heart and life were truly in God’s sovereign and powerful yet invisible hand, just like the powerful rushing rivers of water that rapidly turned and flowed along the banks according to where God leads. Indeed, let us, especially God’s leaders, draw near to God with a true and sincere heart, and fully submit and surrender to His perfect and excellent will, and keep loving and encouraging one another, and sharing the precious gospel, that Jesus truly saves, and looking forward to His glorious return. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
2. The King’s Horse (21:30-31)
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. (21:31)
It is great to plan for our future, and the future of our organisation, nation and even church, with a 5-year or 10-year strategic plan, but let us keep reminding ourselves that ultimately it must be God’s sovereign will. Solomon as a great king and wise commander appreciated the strategic and detailed preparation and planning of battle plans that include his soldiers, weapons, chariots, horses, logistic supply, etc., for impending invasion and attacks from his enemies, yet he also fully understood that safety and victory is of and from his God of Israel. Let us be prepared for crises and challenges, but let us also keep trusting God knowing that He shall lead, guide and provide for us now and forever. Indeed, one day, Jesus Christ shall victoriously return on His white horse as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS and with His heavenly armies on white horses, He shall finally judge and punish the devil, his demons and the wicked ones once and for all, and eternally condemned them into burning hell and the lake of fire. (Revelation 19-20)
3. The King’s humility (22:1-29)
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. (22:4)
The conclusion of the whole matter is to humble ourselves before God, and fear Him, and He shall bless and reward us with His riches, honour and life. Let us therefore love and serve our God with all humility, and even with tears and temptations, sharing the precious gospel, knowing that one day He shall reward us in His glorious kingdom. (Acts 20:17-21)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to seek after Your heart and humility for Your honour.
