August 28
Planning for
the Future
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but all who are hasty come surely to poverty.
Daily Steps
The call to diligence (Day 240) extends beyond merely working hard; it requires intentional, thoughtful planning. This verse guides the new believer on how to approach their efforts with foresight and wisdom: The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage.
The peace in this principle is found in intentional foresight:
The Benefit of Planning: The diligent person doesn't just work hard; they plan carefully. Diligence combined with foresight lead surely to advantage. This advantage is spiritual, relational, and practical. It is the wisdom of recognizing that God blesses organized, thoughtful effort (The Lord Will Guide You, Day 179). Planning reduces waste and maximizes opportunity.
The Danger of Rashness: The warning is against being hasty or impulsive. Those who rush into things without seeking counsel or weighing consequences come surely to poverty. Haste is often the result of impatience or a failure to trust God's timing (Day 182), leading to mistakes that destroy stability and peace.
The Result is Trust: Planning is an act of responsible faith. We make our human plans (Proverbs 16:9: *"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."**), and then we trust God to direct the final outcome. This combination of diligence and dependence removes the anxiety of relying purely on chance.
Your peace is secured by intentional foresight. Embrace the wisdom of careful planning, knowing that your diligent efforts, submitted to God, will surely lead to advantage and stable provision.
Reflective Question
In what area of your life (e.g., finances, spiritual growth, a major life decision) have you recently been hasty, leading to disadvantage? What is one specific plan (a budget, a reading schedule, a deadline) you can establish today with diligence and submit to the Lord for guidance?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency toward haste and impulsive action. I pray for the wisdom to be diligent not just in work, but in planning my course.
Help me to trust You when waiting is necessary and to reject the temptation toward hasty decisions. Secure my peace today in the knowledge that Your blessing follows careful, intentional effort. Amen.
