Proverbs 16 gives a pretty clear description of the sovereignty of God. The first nine verses are bookended by similar statements contrasting man’s heart plans and the establishing acts of the Lord. “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD” (vs 1). The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (vs 9). And the concluding verse of the chapter (33) extends God’s oversight even to the results of every roll of the dice: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”

Besides man’s plans (vs 1, 9), his ways (2) and commitments (3) are under God’s control, who even “made the wicked for the day of trouble” (4) to establish the formative discipline of his people.   The LORD is good; his steadfast love and faithfulness (vs 6) cause atonement for iniquity, both in the Old Testament sacrificial system and the New Testament saving sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.

In light of God’s governance, the verses also give insight into man’s proper response. We are to commit our work to the LORD (vs 3), be humble, not arrogant (5), have a proper fear of the LORD to turn away evil (6), and seek righteousness (8). In addition, we are rewarded if our ways please the LORD (7).

Fortunately, the scriptures are God’s word to us describing his redemption plan and our place in it. The first three answers of the Westminster Shorter Catechism shed light on the potentially joyous path before us:

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

“The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.”

“The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.”

So, God is in charge. Our plans will only be fruitful if they fit with God’s revealed design and purposes. This is somewhat easy to accept for believers but is very hard to swallow for those who think they are more important.