Turning the Hearts of Kings

There is a verse in the Bible that says: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Some of us, assume that this means that when God gets involved in our affairs, the king has no control and will do whatever is in our best interest. If history hasn't proven that to be an errant interpretation, perhaps context should--not just of the next verses, but of the whole of Scripture.

 The verses that follow in the 21st chapter of Proverbs say, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin." [Proverbs 21:2-4] 

(I always say, context is EVERYTHING, when it comes to the Bible. You have to know, Scripture interprets Scripture--not one verse ever stands on its own. The more I learn of God's Word, the more I have been able to put to rest that lie that "the Bible contradicts itself". The Word of God never does. The problem is people who read the Word of God without understanding--who refuse to dig deeper because of tradition, preconceived notions, etc. The Word of God is holy, authoritative, righteous, real, living and altogether true, pure and lovely. I promise.) That was a side thought! :) 

Clearly, the king has choice--or free will, and God has not (nor will He ever, as long as we are in this dispensation, like He didn't in the prior dispensation though man failed to use free will wisely) stripped it from mankind. God does, however, watch and weigh the choices that the king (and all of us) make out of the depths of our hearts. It seems though, God is especially concerned with the decisions of leaders and kings. Why? Their decisions have a profound impact on multitudes of people--they are not simply making decisions for their own family unit, but for nations (or perhaps, churches, organizations, employees,etc.), and with that elevation comes the greater responsibility to ensure that all decisions are done without oppression, in humility, with justice and righteous godly judgment--never with a proud heart, and arrogance. I like the Living Bible translation..."

Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the Lord directs the king’s thoughts. He turns them wherever he wants to.  
We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives.
God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts.
Pride, lust, and evil actions are all sin. [Proverbs 21:1-4, TLB]

 God is not waiting for the king (or anyone else) to recognize you, so He can miraculously move them to make you a billionaire, millionaire, buy you a house, car, etc. He might prick some wealthy consciences in our favor if we would pray for billions to feed and shelter those who have nothing and to evangelize the world. If only we could stop praying amiss--carnal prayers are so selfish and ungodly. If you ask God for substance, ask for it to bless the Kingdom of God--investing in others, not to make yourself comfortable--that would be unrighteous, unjust, and arrogant. If you want a lot of substance for yourself, work for it, don't pray (amiss) for it, or expect to use and abuse others to gain it. God pondereth the hearts....we will answer for the decisions and acts made in the earth.

Grace always,
Lisa

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