Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. The word "preparations" is a military term, signifying the marshalling of an army. The doctrine here is, that all our fitness for duty, and all our assistance in it, is from the Lord. I. HOW DOTH GOD PREPARE THE HEART FOR DUTY? Preparation is twofold — that which divines call habitual, and also actual preparation for particular occasions of duty. That which is habitual respects our state; that which is actual represents our frames God assists us — 1. By calling off our vain and wandering thoughts, and so fixing our hearts for duty. 2. He works in our heart a holy fear and reverence of His majesty. 3. By giving us the savour of past experiences, and by giving us present desires, after communing with Him. 4. By sudden and unexpected enlargement of spirit. We are surprised into mercy. II. HOW DOTH GOD PREPARE US IN OUR SPEECHES BEFORE HIM? 1. He reveals to us our own wants, gives us some special errand to go with to God. 2. He gives us arguments and pleas to use in prayer. 3. He makes intercessions in us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 4. He guides and directs the soul to ask but for those things which God means to give. Use: If men cannot prepare themselves for duty, after grace is received, much less can they prepare themselves for grace while in an unregenerate state. Caution against three things. (1) Known omissions. (2) Conscience-wasting sins. (3) Dependence on gifts, in your approach to God. (John Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.WEB: The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. |
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