Proverbs 13:16 A wise man (woman) thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
Proverbs 1:1 tells us that the author of the book of Proverbs is Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba. Solomon was the third king of Israel. He was renowned for his wisdom. Most importantly, Solomon’s wisdom came from GOD. 1Kings 3 helps us understand why and how Solomon was blessed with the gift of wisdom.
First, 1 Kings 3:3 states that Solomon loved the LORD.
Second, 1 Kings 3 also tells us that Solomon was willing to sacrifice. Solomon had just built his own house, a palace. Solomon could have let others sacrifice “for him” and simply enjoyed the comfort of his palace. He had just married the daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and had just built his house, so no one would have probably blamed him if he “sat out a few Sundays” or used his honeymoon as an excuse to “enjoy himself.” But, because Solomon loved GOD and wanted to be a man after GOD’s own heart, like his father David, Solomon went the extra mile. He went to Gibeon (which in Hebrew means “hilly”) and presented his physical gifts to GOD. 1Kings 3:4 states that Solomon sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon.
Third, Solomon had a thankful, servant heart. When GOD spoke to Solomon in a dream, Solomon thanked GOD for what GOD had already done. Solomon thanked GOD for his great kindness toward his father David. Solomon thanked GOD for his continued kindness toward himself. Solomon admitted his shortcomings to GOD and did not try to tell GOD or instruct GOD. Although other people may have seen King Solomon as being the mightiest ruler in all of Israel, Solomon, saw his position for what it was. Solomon was just a steward---a servant. Solomon did not own anything—GOD did. Solomon knew he was where he was because of GOD. Solomon knew that all greatness came from GOD. See verse 8. If the people were great, it was because of GOD. Solomon understood that if he were to shepherd a great people, it would only be because of GOD. The only path to greatness would be serving a great GOD. So, admitting his shortcomings, Solomon asked GOD to give him the wisdom to serve GOD’s great people! Solomon prayed a servant’s prayer—a request to just serve.
In his wisdom to serve the Israelites and GOD’s people through the generations (even to the present generation—(i.e. you and me), Solomon wrote a number of Proverbs. A proverb is a general truth or a maxim— a piece of wisdom or wise advice. In Proverbs 13:16, Solomon states that a wise person plans ahead and has goals. The person who rejects wisdom (i.e. “a fool”) not only does not plan ahead or have goals, but even brags about this lack of foresight and direction.
This idea of planning ahead and having goals or a mission comes up a number of times in the Bible:
Proverbs 21:5 states: Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind. [The Message translation]
In Philippians 3:14 Paul states: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [New International translation]
In Luke 4:18 JESUS announces HIS mission or goal: The SPIRIT OF THE LORD is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the LORD. [King James translation]
SET A GOAL/ PLAN AHEAD
If you want change (e.g., to eat raw on Wednesday, to achieve greater physical fitness, to eat healthier, to have a stronger prayer life, to read and meditate more on the WORD of GOD, to serve GOD on your job, to serve GOD in your church, to serve GOD in whatever position you find yourself), it helps to set a goal and to plan ahead.
First, determine your physical or spiritual goals. I suggest you start with one to three goals. The following may be helpful as you go about this exercise:
- First, pray about your goal. Not only think about what you want to do but ask GOD what HE wants you to do. Think about the above scriptures. Think about stewardship in terms of “your” body, “your” life and “your” health. Think about your body as a temple---GOD’s temple—and that it does not belong to you. It is just on loan to you. You are just its caretaker. Think of all GOD provides (e.g. the air you breathe, the beating of your heart, the organization of all the cells in your body, etc.) Now consider your part and your maintenance duties.
- Write down each goal. Then make a list why the three goals you selected are important.
- Review your goals to see if they are “SMART.” If your main goal is too general, so that you can create “SMART” subgoals:
S--- a specific goal
M---a measureable goal
A- an achievable goal
R---relevant and consistent with Biblical principles
T---make sure your goal is timely and can be calendared or given a time for achieving the goal - Next, turn your goal into action steps. For example, instead of writing “I will eat right,” perhaps you will write, “I will pack a raw foods lunch on Wednesdays,” and will include:
a. Carrots, celery, organic salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples,
b. I will buy packets of honey and I will buy herbal teas.
c. I will prepare this meal the night before
d. I will prepare snack bags full of almonds and raw cashews and raisins. - Make a list of things that you want to avoid or things that might prevent you from achieving your goal: For example:
a. I will inventory my shopping list and delete all “prepackaged foods” or frozen foods that
include chemicals or other preservatives or foods that are inconsistent with my goal of
eating fresh raw foods. I will stop buying canned fruits and vegetables.
b. I will stop buying fast foods for the month of September.
c. I will not buy one item (e.g. cake, cookies, candy). Delete one item at a time. Again,
rather than “give up all sweets,” select one item to make the goal more manageable, if
you are struggling. - Review your plans and the list of things that might prevent you from achieving your goals.
- Pray about your goals again. In fact, review your goals with GOD every day this week (morning and night! Refine your goals every day, until you have a number of SMART action steps/subgoals.
This is just the first step. Change does not occur overnight. Often, change does not come easily. But, change can occur. If you have children in your home, perhaps they can learn from observing you set goals or perhaps you and they can set some goals together for the school year. Remember, there is no age limit on wisdom or service.
Every person has a choice—to be wise or foolish---to plan ahead and to ask GOD to order his or her steps—or not.
So, today, let’s set some goals. Let’s all plan ahead. Pray one for another this month.
Seek the wisdom of GOD and BE BLESSED!
