All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the LORD who proves hearts.
We have a great capacity to deceive ourselves. We need to turn to the LORD whenever there is uncertainty about the rightness of our plans. We have a hard time realizing that it isn't always the sacrifice that the LORD wants but rather what is right in just. We see the thing that looks like the religious thing and assume that it is the right thing. But if we don't involve the LORD on our decisions we end up acting, even in our sacrifices, with "haughty eyes and a proud heart". Even in our prudential decisions we need his help. We should not just make diligent plans on our own but we submit even those to the LORD. We must not run ahead of him in our haste or drag behind in our laziness. It is diligence in planning together with the LORD that leads to sure profit.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The LORD often needs to correct us. Let us not be so arrogant that only other people benefit from seeing it. Let us be wise enough to be teachable. When it comes to right planning we still tend to be so far from the mark. We still think of ourselves and our own goals above all. These are part of the picture, but they cannot take our entire focus.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard.
So let us hear the word of God and act on it, just as Mary does, so that we can be mother and brother to Jesus just as she desires for us.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
Jesus is inviting us to know the joy that comes from not having to figure everything out for ourselves. He is calling us to the adventure of trusting in his plans for us.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act (see Psalm 37:5)
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