In a Nutshell

I came across two verses in Proverbs that aren’t quite one after the other but they certainly seemed to go together.  Like most verses, each is a couplet consisting of two phrases.  It seemed to me that these proverbs could be companions with the first and last phrases acting like the outer shell of a nut and the second and third phrases like the tender meat inside.

Proverbs 19:21, 23

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

 

The fear of the Lord leads to life;
    then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

 

 

Things to think about:

·       The Shell

o   “Many are the plans in a person’s heart” and “then one rests content, untouched by trouble”

o   These two phrases are our lives, our dreams, and our circumstances

§  We have a life to be lived, dreams to be chased, and a calling to be fulfilled.

·       The Meat

o   “But it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” and “The fear of the Lord leads to life”

o   Inside the shell is where the core truths live – God is in control and His way leads to life

·       What plans and dreams do you have?

o   If you have trouble answering this, ask God to show you

§  James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

·       God-given plans and dreams are good!

o   Psalm 37:4-6 - Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
    your vindication like the noonday sun.

·       How does resting in God’s prevailing will give you confidence and peace to step out in faith?

o   Conversely, how does trying to do it yourself led to trouble and discontent?

·       Just like a savory nut is delicious, “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8