Proverbs 16:9 is a famous bit of wisdom that is often interpreted in the most fatalistic, deterministic, or nihilistic way. This proverb says that human beings make plans, but God is the one who orders the steps of their lives. Some use this verse to argue that men have no free will, and that nothing happens in a person’s life that is not arranged by God. Others then use that interpretation to give up on any godly life plans. They offload any responsibility in their lives to a cruel or indifferent God who determines all fates without regard to the good or bad intentions of the plans in the hearts of men and women. Assuming no responsibility, they then choose to live however they please, casting off whatever restraints might hinder their basest pleasures. But that terrible choice is rooted in at least two human faults.
The easiest of the two faults to see is one of bad interpretation. While it is true that God is in charge of everything, and that he does indeed arrange and control all outcomes, it is a clear mistake to use that verse to assert no human free will. The verse clearly assumes that men and women have the free will to make their own plans. It also assumes that men and women have the free will to pursue those plans. And this leads us to the second, and perhaps more influential fault. Unsaved men and women are fallen, hate the morality of God unless it is serving their interests, and are prone to fashion their plans around their own selfishness. This fallen state also makes it more likely that they will twist scripture into something that it is not. And even saved people still struggle with elements of a sinful nature.
A better interpretation of this verse will assume, from a place of faith, the goodness of God and his love for humanity. From that premise, one can then better apply the verse in a way that avoids nihilistic fatalism. So instead of assuming that nothing matters because an indifferent or cruel God will crush any plans you make, you can try to divine what God’s goals are for your life, focus your heart on those goals, and then make your plans in accordance with them. When you do that, your heart, and your plans will be in time with the steps that God is ordering in your life. You’ll have meaning, purpose, direction, an increasing faith in the power of God, and an appreciation for the outcomes that God is ordaining in your life.
So as you're making your New Year’s resolutions, be sure to align them with God’s purposes for your life.
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