Proverbs 16

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3TH, 2003

PROVERBS 16: THE 7 P'S

P#1 PLANS V. 1-4, 9, 25, 33
v. 1 we plan and work, God controls and produces
v. 2 we find a way to rationalize, God looks deeper than that
v. 3 because you'll adjust to His plan
v. 4 God can use bad people and bad situations for good
v. 33 God is in control of everything
-plans are important! NFL, VBS, BUDGETS, FARMING, but God is in control of what actually happens
-Jer 29:11
-Isaiah 32:8 But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.
-10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
- We are not to create waves, we are to align ourselves with what God is doingn. Instead of "Lord, bless what I'm doing" it should be "Lord, help me to do what you are blessing" instead of "God bless" it should be "May you be under God's blessing"
P#2 PRIDE V. 5, 18-19
Pride makes you not want to include God in your plans, makes you want to make your own wave
2 Chron. 26:16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.
2 Chron. 32:26 Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's wrath did not come upon them
Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God

P#3 PATH V. 6-7, 17
When you ride the Lord's wave you are safe
v. 6 the path is love, faithfulness, and fear (reverence)
v. 6-7, 17 the reward of this path is peace, atonement, avoidence of evil

P#4 PROSPERITY V. 8, 11, 16, 20, 22, 31-32
Those who ride God's waves prosper in the real sense of prosperity.
v. 8 not as important as righteousness
v. 11 not as important as integrity
v. 16 not as important as wisdom
v. 20 is a result of obedience and trust
v. 22 understanding brings prosperity of life
v. 31 rightousness brings prosperity in wisdom
v. 32 patience brings prosperity in success
-not the health and wealth Gospel

P#5 POWER 10, 12-15
v. 10 a leaders needs to know their influence
v. 12 a leader needs to hate wickedness
v. 13 a leader needs to have honest advisors
v. 14 people should fear the king’s wrath
v. 15 people should delight the king’s joy

P#6 PERSUASIVENESS V. 21, 23-24, 26
You’ll influence people if your
1. words are pleasant v. 21+24
2. words are from your heart v. 23
v. 21-24 Words have tremendous influence, but be careful not to manipulate people.
v. 26 hunger persuades people to work, keep working
Ill. California illegal immigrants/welfare

P#7 PERVERSITY V. 27-30
v. 27 brings destruction
v. 28 brings dissension, disunity
v. 29 brings people with him
v. 30 brings with him warning signs: the wink, the pursed lilps