May 30
The Wisdom
of Planning
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but all who are hasty come surely to poverty.
Daily Steps
Financial anxiety often results from living without direction, making impulsive choices, and experiencing negative consequences. This proverb provides the new believer with a guarantee: peace and advantage are secured through the wisdom of planning.
The peace in this instruction is found in the contrast between two approaches:
The Advantage of Diligence: "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage." Diligence implies careful, consistent effort and thoughtful preparation (budgeting, forecasting, saving). A plan removes the stress of uncertainty and ensures that your financial resources are moving toward a predetermined, peaceful goal. The advantage is a guaranteed positive outcome.
The Penalty of Haste: "But all who are hasty come surely to poverty." Haste means making quick, impulsive, or emotional financial decisions (such as sudden purchases or accumulating debt). This lack of planning leads to predictable negative consequences, losing control and losing peace.
The Result is Control: When you actively plan and live by a budget, you are essentially telling your money where to go, rather than wondering where it went. This control is the antidote to financial chaos and secures a calm, ordered mindset.
Your financial peace is secured by the spiritual discipline of planning. Choose to be diligent in managing God's resources, and you will reap the advantage of stability and freedom from financial haste.
Reflective Question
In what area of your life (e.g., grocery spending, saving, or purchases) are you currently being hasty instead of diligent? What is one specific, simple plan (a budget line, a savings goal) you can implement today to find financial advantage and peace?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency toward financial haste and impulse. I pray for the spiritual discipline of diligence. Give me the wisdom to create plans and budgets that honor You and secure my future. May this commitment to wise stewardship lead me surely to advantage and to the perfect peace that comes from controlling Your resources, not being controlled by them. Amen.
