Session 10: Planning the Future
Read Proverbs 11:3; 14:12; 15:22; 16:9; 21:5, 31; 27:1
Many of us feel compelled to check our daily horoscope in the newspapers even though we may feel guilty or silly for doing it. Most of us seek every advantage possible in planning our future. We seek the guidance of economists, investment counselors, and analysts of every sort. Numerous advisers will sell you advice on practically anything in the near and long term. Whether you take their advice or not, probably someone else will.
What kinds of things in the future do you find it good to plan for? Do you ever feel that planning for the future is pointless? For all of their focus on the here and now, the Proverbs keep an eye on the future. Many of them offer wisdom on how to make plans. They tell us why we should plan for the future and what we can expect from the best laid plans we can make.
1. Based upon these Proverbs, why might you plans for the future go awry?
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2. Have you ever had a plan to fail for one of the reasons mentioned?
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3. What character qualities mentioned makes it hard to plan for the future?
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4. We usually evaluate a plan based on its merits, not on the basis of the character of the planner. Why does a planner’s character make a difference?
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5. Proverbs 15:22 specifies many counselors. What advantage do many counselors provide over just a few or even just one counselor?
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6. Proverbs 21:5 says that a good plan by itself is not sufficient to insure success. What part does diligence play?
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7. An unbeliever could profit from what we have seen in these studies. Yet, what do the Proverbs say about the role of a divine aspect of the plans we make?
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8. How would your planning differ from that of a unbeliever?
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9. Do 16:9 and 21:31 encourage or discourage careful planning?
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10. Do you think wise plans always succeed? Why or why not?
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11. Is there something in your future that you have not planned for at all?
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Plans are certainly a part of wisdom. They can help us to apply thought and to give consideration to various unknowns we may encounter through the process. Sometimes plans become the object of our energy and time but little is left for the execution of the actions we plan. Thoughtful prayer, asking for wisdom and guidance, is a necessary ingredient to any planning effort be it individual or for a group. Keeping in mind the truisms of the Bible, and the teachings we have absorbed gives us a foundation to plan for many situations we may encounter in life. Sometimes even a little planning can pay off. General George Patton once said, “A poor plan executed with vigor is far better than the best plan made but never put into action.” So, even a little planning in most circumstances will benefit us but we must not lose sight of the necessity for execution. To be wise in the work of the Lord is our aim, but it must be followed by our resolute deeds.
I hope and pray that you have benefitted from this survey of the Proverbs and that what you have learned will be of benefit to you in your daily walk with Him.