The plans of the diligent lead surely to
plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely
to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).
Plans are a necessary part of the wise man's life; only fools follow the path of fateful chance. Solomon advised that plans should follow the priority of work before comfort and should be made only after seeking counsel and guidance from God and men. Even God's tiny creature the ant has enough wisdom to plan for winter.
Fools plan wickedness, but such plans are hated and condemned by the general public because they bring only shame to everyone involved. Then plans of wise men incorporate righteous principles.
Priorities are important for successful plans; wisdom and work should be at the top of the list. The next priority is the principle of choosing the best quality over that which is merely good or better. Solomon listed numerous priorities of this type: righteousness is preferable to ritual or riches; reputation and honesty to riches; love and quietness to luxury; loneliness to contention; humility to self-honor; self-control to power; rebuke to flattery or concealed love; friendship to familial dependency.
Proper priorities require right thinking. Several times Solomon commended right thinking and warned that wicked thinking is hated. Such thoughts characterize evil. Wise men avoid wicked thinking but base their plans on righteous priorities, wise counsel, and guidance.
plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely
to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).
Plans are a necessary part of the wise man's life; only fools follow the path of fateful chance. Solomon advised that plans should follow the priority of work before comfort and should be made only after seeking counsel and guidance from God and men. Even God's tiny creature the ant has enough wisdom to plan for winter.
Fools plan wickedness, but such plans are hated and condemned by the general public because they bring only shame to everyone involved. Then plans of wise men incorporate righteous principles.
Priorities are important for successful plans; wisdom and work should be at the top of the list. The next priority is the principle of choosing the best quality over that which is merely good or better. Solomon listed numerous priorities of this type: righteousness is preferable to ritual or riches; reputation and honesty to riches; love and quietness to luxury; loneliness to contention; humility to self-honor; self-control to power; rebuke to flattery or concealed love; friendship to familial dependency.
Proper priorities require right thinking. Several times Solomon commended right thinking and warned that wicked thinking is hated. Such thoughts characterize evil. Wise men avoid wicked thinking but base their plans on righteous priorities, wise counsel, and guidance.