Reading 53 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Wednesday, November 5, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Proverbs 16:1–9

The plans of the mind belong to mortals,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord;
be assured, they will not go unpunished.
By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.
When the ways of people please the Lord,
he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.
Better is a little with righteousness
than large income with injustice.
The human mind plans the way,
but the Lord directs the steps. (NRSV)

Reflection

Those who know me know I love a good plan. My plans tend to be more detailed than anyone needs and have multiple contingencies. However, I recently got back from my first group travel experience. I purposely did not do a lot of research before the trip because I didn’t want to be disappointed that something I wanted to do wasn’t on the group itinerary. I was concerned I wouldn’t handle not being in control particularly well.

I was shocked at what freedom it gave me to not be married to a specific plan. Instead of being stressed out because things weren’t going exactly to plan (and they weren’t), I enjoyed the trip for what it offered. Did we get stuck in traffic twice as long as we were supposed to be and miss out on some sightseeing? Yes. Did weather prevent us from seeing and doing some of the activities on our agenda? Yes. But other experiences filled those times.

It made me think about my daily life and how many things I may be missing out on because I am so tied to my plans. This scripture is a reminder that while we all make plans, we should be prepared to keep them open to how the Spirit may redirect them.

Prayer

Loving God, help me to hold my plans with open hands, allowing you to reshape and redirect them. Give me the strength to let go and trust the path you have created for me. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Ministry Team Director

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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