Go Plan Something || Proverbs 19:20-21 || Manna for the Mind #121

Welcome to Day 121 of the “Manna for the Mind” devotional! This series is about taking scripture passages (typically 1-3 verses) and building our understanding of their teachings through their context and connecting scripture. I believe that doing this helps us understand how to be the type of human that God created us to be.

Today’s passage is Proverbs 19:20-21. I’ll discuss the importance of seeking advice and how God’s plan will prevail over whatever we make.

Proverbs 19:20-21

AMP	NLT	VOICE
20 Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come.	20 Get all the advice and instruction you, so you will be wise the rest of your life.	20 Heed counsel, act on instruction, and you will become wise later in life.
21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).	21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.	21 The impulses of the human heart may run wild, but the Eternal’s plan will prevail.

It’s essential to be open and receptive to the advice and instructions we receive about all the different parts of life. Still, we need to be discerning about what we take to heart. Some things people can teach us may be helpful in their eyes but could harm us in the long term. We must take what we’ve learned to God, allow him to instill the proper teachings in our hearts, and allow the extra stuff to flow in the directions needed. God’s plan is more significant than anything we can attempt and is shown through the psalmist of Psalm 33, verses 10 and 11.

Psalm 33:10-11

AMP	NLT	VOICE
10 The Lord nullifies the counsel of nations; He makes the thoughts and plans of the people ineffective.	10 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes.	10 The Eternal cripples the schemes of the other nations; He impedes the plans of rival peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The thoughts and plans of His heart through all generations	11 But the Lord’s plan stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken	11 The Eternal’s purposes will last to the end of time; the thoughts of His heart will awaken and stir all generations

God is entirely trustworthy – his intentions never change. The Bible promises that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator that never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone you can trust, remember that God is entirely consistent. Let him counsel you, and then rely on his plans for your life. God’s way is often an upside-down representation of what the world says is success and good. The ways that God wants us to succeed through his will can often disorient, frustrate, and dismantle the ways of the world and the people who want to manipulate God’s gifts and blessings for their own selfish agenda. God’s way is the trustful way. Stick to his plan and never waver from it, for it has your best ahead and is the way it can honor and glorify God.

Proverbs 16:1

AMP	NLT	VOICE
1 The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.	1 We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.	1 People go about making their plans, but the Eternal has the final word.

This verse can be understood to say that God should control the final outcomes of our plans, which begs the question: Why should we even make plans? We must coordinate our plans with God’s control in doing God’s will. God gives us as much free will needed to plan and work out the details. He wants to use our minds, seek the advice of others, and plan. He also delivers the final results. Good planning seeks God’s desires and leads our acting this way. Live for him, ask him for guidance while you plan, and trust him when you act. Our plans are good for us to make. It helps us align our plans with God’s desire and will for our lives. If they don’t work out accordingly, God will adjust them to use them for his glory and good. It’s always the most accessible place to land in our plans, but the long-term benefits of how our lives turn out through God’s pathing are the best.

Father God, thank you for the ultimate plan you have for us. We know that the free will you’ve given us to create plans is a good and positive action, but your will can prevail. Align our plans to honor you and do the will you’ve designed us to do. It’s in your name, we pray. Amen.