The Wise Heart.
Who are you in your innermost self? Are you one who demonstrates all that God would ask of you? That is to be kind, gentle, generous, thoughtful, giving and forgiving?
When we pursue things we have motives in our hearts. The why we do things or the why in what we say to others…
No one knows from appearances what deep down your heart is like – that is completely. We can put on ways of a speech and of action…but only God knows the true motives of the heart.
“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” Proverbs 16:1,2
We may be able to present ourselves to others in such a way that they perceive our hearts to be right, kind and pure…But, only God knows the true intents of our heart.
He knows us more fully than we know ourselves and the most wonderful, beautiful thing about that is knowing all about us – ALL – He loves us with a complete and pure love…
So the wise heart will examine itself. A wise heart will seek to know truth, kindness and justice.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
A wise heart will daily review their plans to ensure their pure and right and will commit all their ways unto the Lord.
A wise heart will truly know that all things work out for good, because the whole of life and time belong to the Lord and His plan is worked out.
“The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.” Proverbs 16:4-6
Everyone faces similar temptations from time to time. It is at those moments that we make a decision – turn toward righteousness or to turn toward evil or selfishness…We all have to examine our own hearts and motives – we need to ask ourselves the ‘why’ question…We need to have the vision to see whether something is truly right or whether it is wrong.
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16: 7-9
In light of all that we can gain while here on this earth – wisdom is most valuable. The best way to attain wisdom is to ask of God. We need to daily ask God for ‘wisdom, discernment and clarity of mind.’ We need to ask God to examine our hearts…to show us and we need to take action if we find anything that stands in the way of our relationship with God – there’s nothing more important than being right with God.
“The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16: 17-19
When we seek God in all we do; when we seek wisdom and discernment…there is a sweetness to life – a sense of joy. When we’re at peace with God – nothing this world or anyone can bring will affect us. We can go through difficulty in this world. We can experience loss and pain…But, if we have committed our ways unto God and have sought for wisdom in all we do – we know – that we’re not alone and that God has pleasure in our hearts. We are established in Him
“It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word[b] will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16: 19-24
A wise heart will take rule over his heart and mind. A wise heart will daily seek after God. A wise heart will thoughtfully pursue their life – to ensure that their steps, actions and words please God. A wise heart will act in such a way that others will see God working in and through them. A wise heart will seek to see and understand truth. A wise heart will know that no matter what – God loves them and is in control. A wise heart will trust God and commit everything to Him.
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16: 32-33
Take time today to spend time with God. Seek wisdom from God. Examine your heart and mind. Do all your thoughts and pursuits line up with what you know to be right? Are you seeking to do those things that please God? Do you seek other’s benefit before your own? Are you content knowing God is in control? Do you realize the beauty and joy of a relationship with God…then understand that there’s nothing else in this world as important – nothing else worth getting in the way. God loves you completely. He has a plan for you and a path. Nothing else will satisfy or bring about peace than to follow in those steps laid before you. Seek wisdom from God to know and to see what is the right thing for you to do today. Seek wisdom from God always…
