This chapter deals with life principles and business relationships. Sometimes we assume that God will bless our decisions, and when He doesn’t, we wonder why. I had that problem many years ago; for a long time, I wondered what I had done to displease God. One of the problems was I could not see the horizon; I trusted the words of someone in authority, but he did not see the near future either.
Solomon starts this chapter with a few statements that seem contradictory but aren’t if we see them in context. “We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands.” (Verse 1). “Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.” (Verse 3). “When a man is trying to please God, God will make even his worst enemies to be at peace with him.” (Verse 7). And finally, “We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision.” (Verse 33).
Why this seeming contradiction? It is telling us not to assume anything but to be cautious in our plans. We mentioned that in chapter 15:22. Solomon wrote, “Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success.” James expands on this in James 4:13-17.
Solomon deals with another subject in verse 6. “Iniquity is atoned for by mercy and truth; evil is avoided by reverence for God.” The Israelites would have understood this statement because each year they celebrated the Day of Atonement. On that day, the High Priest would sacrifice a bull for his and his family’s sins during the year and then sacrifice a goat for the sins of all the people. Then, he lay his hands on the head of another goat figuratively placing all the sins on it, and it would be taken into and left in a remote part of the wilderness never to return. This was a foreshadowing of what Christ would do for the sins of all mankind.
Some other nuggets Solomon gave us were:
- “The Lord demands fairness in every business deal. He established this principle.” (Verse 9).
- “Kind words are like honey-enjoyable and healthful.” (Verse 24).
- “Hunger is good-if it makes you work to satisfy it! Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouth piece.” (Verses 26-27).
- White hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the godly.” (Verse 31).