Proverbs 12:5 Plans and planners
The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. Proverbs12:5NIV
Plans, or thoughts, from Strongs also means: cunning work, curious work, imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. I believe I am righteous, but does that make all of my plans just? There are times, and today is one of them, that I question my plans — including the way that I am thinking or evaluating a situation. When I do this, I feel uncertainty. When I don’t question, I feel confidence. Since feeling confidence is a good thing, should I stop questioning? Yet whose plans are perfect? The very act of questioning invites the best, most pragmatic, spirit-led path forward. I recognize that headstrong confidence is not the goal, but rather learning, knowing, being teachable, and being able to be corrected. These things have a higher value to me.
Then I read this proverb which declares that my plans or thoughts are just. The Hebrew indicates just or right in a legal sense — as pronounced by the law, or judge. They are headed in the right direction. For those plans that are not, my Father will address them. But the overwhelming bulk of them are built on honoring my God. Loving him first. Allowing my life to be exposed to His presence, His thought, His scrutiny, and His correction. Also, the people of God provide a good sounding board as well… not perfect, but good.
On the other hand, the counsel or advice (steerage with ropes) of the wicked is deceit. The goal they seek is the result, not the journey. This one places a higher value on manipulating the facts, the truth, the circumstances in order to achieve a “higher (or personal) good.” And to one who has little regard for morals or my Father, “higher” is always a self-based, self-proceeding judgment about situational ethics and self-serving goodness — with a heavy emphasis on “me.”
In this Proverb, Solomon juxtaposes righteous plans with deceitful advice. The best plans need the best advice. So not only must the plans be solid, but the input on those plans must also be full of integrity. Character matters. Just like plans must be weighed, so must the advice-givers. Those who have self at their core may offer mostly good advice, but one should count on it being tainted. Just a little off. Not reliable.
There are two paths, righteous or wicked. There are two ways, just or deceitful. Yes or no. Black or white. Good or bad. Not all situations are framed up this clearly, but in the end, I must make a choice — and I have. Now I trust that my plans are just, good, and guided by my Father and those he sends to speak into them.