09/02/2015 SET GOALS/PLAN AHEAD
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]