In Proverbs, chapter sixteen, verse thirty-three, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” The verse refers to God’s providence and guidance in the life of the righteous. The theme is similar to verses one and nine of this chapter. “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
These verses mentioned above with the theme do not mean that God directly controls and determines every direction of life. Rather, it simply states the spiritual principle that a righteous person who commits their way to the Lord, as in verses three and nine, and acknowledges the Lord will direct them. In Proverbs three, verse five, our understanding is limited and subject to error. Therefore, being enlightened by God’s Word and Spirit is far greater than the human mind magnifying the human spirit. Dependence on human reason rather than trusting God leads to pride and spiritual leanness.
Rather than being wise in our own eyes, we should demonstrate our trust in God by asking Him continually for wisdom and knowledge of His will in all spheres of our lives. That is why some church leaders turn to earthly techniques of raising funds instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to direct their path, causing some in the congregation to blame God when it is the people who run the organization. God’s Word does stand and will bless those who honor it. Concerning money, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” as in Matthew six, verse twenty-four.