Session 16 • Proverbs 16
Plans, Pride & A Ruled Spirit
Proverbs 16 holds together human planning and God’s rule, the danger of pride, and the strength of self-control. We see that we may plan our way, but the LORD weighs motives, directs steps, and honors those who rule their spirit instead of being ruled by impulse.
Scripture should always be read first in your own Bible, with prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding. North & Narrow’s notes are created with the help of technology and reflect a fallible, interpretive layer. Use this program as a supplemental guide, not a replacement for Scripture itself.
What today is about
Proverbs 16 shows that wise people plan, but do so under God’s rule. It exposes how easily pride distorts our sense of security, and it elevates the quiet strength of self-control above visible power. The chapter invites us to commit our works to the LORD, walk humbly, and rule our spirit.
- We make plans, but the LORD weighs motives and directs steps.
- Pride leads toward destruction; humility walks toward honor.
- A ruled spirit is better than outward might or conquest.
Section 1 — Plans, Motives & Committing Work (vv. 1–3, 9)
Proverbs 16:1–3, 9 (KJV)
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Explanation (v.1): People think, plan, and prepare, but the final word and outcome are under God’s hand. Even our responses depend on what He allows and orders.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Explanation (v.2): We naturally justify ourselves and think our way is right. God looks deeper—He weighs motives, not just appearances or intentions as we see them.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Explanation (v.3): “Commit” pictures rolling your plans onto the LORD. When your work is truly entrusted to Him, He steadies your thinking and directs it toward what endures.
Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Explanation (v.9): We map out routes and goals, but God has the final say on the path. Wise planning is real, but so is God’s overruling guidance.
Section 2 — Pride, Humility & Outcomes (vv. 5, 18–19)
Proverbs 16:5, 18–19 (KJV)
Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Explanation (v.5): Pride at the heart level is deeply offensive to God. Even if the proud seem united and secure, they will not escape His judgment.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Explanation (v.18): Pride is not just a flaw; it is a warning sign on the road to ruin. A lifted-up spirit is often the last step before a hard fall.
Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Explanation (v.19): Shared humility in low circumstances is better than sharing gain with the arrogant. Who you align with—and the spirit you walk in—matters more than the spoils you share.
Section 3 — Self-Control, Peace & Fear of the LORD (vv. 20, 32–33)
Proverbs 16:20, 32–33 (KJV)
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Explanation (v.20): Thoughtful handling of issues tends toward good outcomes. Real blessedness, however, rests in trusting the LORD more than in managing outcomes.
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Explanation (v.32): True greatness is not in conquering others but in ruling yourself. Self-control and patience outrank visible strength or impressive victories.
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Explanation (v.33): Even where things look like chance, God governs the outcome. Human methods of “deciding” do not remove His rule.
Recap — Proverbs 16 (Key threads)
- We prepare and plan, but God weighs motives and directs steps.
- Pride leads toward destruction; humility with the lowly is safer than gain with the arrogant.
- Self-control and slow anger are greater than outward might or conquest.
- Even “chance” events lie under the LORD’s disposal.
Today’s practice — Commit the plan, rule the spirit
Aim: Bring real plans before God, actively resist pride, and practice ruling your spirit in one concrete area. This session especially supports the Finance • Silver (plans under God’s rule) and Health • Silver (emotional self-control and lowered stress) medallions.
Quick — Today (5–10 minutes)
- Pick one real plan or decision on your mind (work, money, relationship, schedule).
- Write it in one sentence, then pray Proverbs 16:3 over it: “Lord, I commit this work to You. Establish the thoughts that honor You.”
- Ask: “Where might pride be hiding in this plan?” Note one phrase or impulse that needs humbling.
Medium — 7 days (“Ruled Spirit, Not Ruled Day”)
- Choose one “trigger zone” (e.g., email, traffic, a specific relationship, money stress).
- For seven days, practice a simple reset when stirred: pause, slow breath, then a short inner prayer: “Lord, rule my spirit.”
- Each day, jot one line: “Moment I was tempted to react… How I responded instead.”
- At week’s end, review: Did any conflict soften or any internal spiral shorten?
Deep — 30 days (“Pride Check & Planning with God”)
- List 2–3 areas where your planning is most intense (career, finances, image, relationships).
- For 30 days, start planning sessions with two steps:
- Read Proverbs 16:2–3, 9.
- Write one line: “Lord, weigh my motives and direct my steps here.”
- Once a week, ask a trusted person, “Where do you see pride in how I plan or react?” and record what you hear.
- At the end of 30 days, summarize how your sense of control, humility, and peace have shifted.
Comparative lenses — Other wisdom echoes
Aristotle — Phronesis & the Mean
Aristotle’s idea of phronesis (practical wisdom) as the skill of choosing well between extremes matches Proverbs 16’s picture of planning under God’s rule. The wise exercise judgment—not rushing blindly (overconfidence) nor refusing to plan (sloth)—but taking a middle path that recognizes limits and reality. The praise of self-control over brute might (v.32) fits Aristotle’s view that inner mastery is essential to virtue.
Confucius — Humility, Order & Role
Confucius emphasizes knowing one’s place, honoring proper order, and walking in humility within long-standing roles. Proverbs 16’s call to humble spirit with the lowly rather than spoils with the proud (v.19) resonates with this. The idea that a rightly ordered heart produces good handling of matters (v.20) parallels Confucian concern for inward virtue shaping outward harmony.
Socrates — Examined Motives & False Confidence
Socrates warns against unexamined confidence and false wisdom. Proverbs 16:2–5 similarly exposes the danger of thinking our ways are clean while God weighs the spirit. Socratic questioning—“Why do I think this plan is right? What am I assuming?”—sits well with this chapter’s push to scrutinize motives and recognize limits.
Buddha — Clinging, Control & Letting Go
In Buddhist teaching, clinging to control and ego-story fuels suffering. While Scripture and Buddhist foundations differ, Proverbs 16’s insistence that pride precedes a fall and that even cast lots are disposed by the LORD (v.33) points to a similar warning: attempts to grasp ultimate control are illusory. Wise living involves releasing prideful grip and walking in a more honest, humble dependence.
Closing prayer (optional)
Lord, thank You that You see my motives and direct my steps. Teach me to commit my works to You, to walk in humility, and to rule my spirit instead of being ruled by pride or anger. Help me plan wisely, hold plans loosely, and trust Your disposal of every outcome. In Jesus’ name, amen.