Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. – Proverbs 27:1
If there is one thing that became evident to people in 2020, it is that life is unpredictable. The ongoing pandemic altered or canceled many people’s plans and taught everyone to adapt to whatever they were faced with. It seems as though Americans, especially, like to have their lives planned out. But the Bible suggests a different way to live.
Proverbs 27 cautions against bragging about what’s ahead. This passage is not saying that it is wrong to plan wisely for the future. Instead, it is warning about the overconfidence and feelings of control that come when someone gets too wrapped up in their own plans. The truth is that no one knows what will happen each day, aside from God. When a person gets so committed to his plans that he feels like he is in control of his future, it becomes dangerous.
Preacher Charles Spurgeon argued that the mystery of each day is a blessing, since “know[ing] the good might lead [you] to presumption, [and knowing] the evil might tempt [you] to despair.” While altered plans can be a shock and even frustration to you, this is never the case for God. He is always in control, always knows the future, and always knows exactly what to do next.
The next time you face altered plans, whether large or small, take a moment to stop and thank God for His plan that is always perfect. Pray for those in positions of authority in the nation, as they make plans on a daily basis. Ask God to give them sound judgment and a heart that is more concerned with God’s plans than their own.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
