Today's Verse: Proverbs 19:20-21

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
— Proverbs 19:20-21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Long ago, Thomas à Kempis declared, "Man proposes, heaven disposes." Most of us rush to give advice and make grandiose plans. The Wiseman of Proverbs, likely Solomon, reminds us that wisdom comes from submitting to instruction and good advice. Then after a significant time of listening and considering, we can begin to align our hearts to the Lord's purposes. If you are like me, you would do much better to let your plans ripen a bit more in the light of the Lord's truth and wisdom before launching into living out those plans. I am comforted that James, the wisdom writer of the New Testament, reminded us that God will give that wisdom if we seek it and not doubt (James 1:5-8). As we pray for wisdom, let's also pray for patience to listen, recognize, understand, and align our hearts with the Lord's truth, so we can recognize godly advice and good instruction as wisdom when we hear it!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please teach me your ways and help me discern your paths for my life. I have so many plans and schemes, but I know if they are not from you and aligned with your will, they will not stand. Lead me to your wisdom, and I will not only seek to know it, but also live it by the power supplied by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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5 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Illustration of Proverbs 19:20-21
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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 19:20-21 — Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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