How can we commit our work to the Lord and have our plans established (Proverbs 16:3)?

Answer

Proverbs 16:3 states, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (ESV). This wonderful verse emphasizes our duty to serve God and the outcome of fulfilling our responsibility.

The term “commit” in Hebrew means “to roll.” Other passages like Genesis 29:3 and Psalm 22:8–9 also convey the concept of “rolling” something to the Lord. It signifies completely entrusting something to God in reliance on Him. By committing our work entirely to the Lord, we dedicate all our actions to Him.

The Hebrew structure indicates that by committing our work to the Lord, we can expect our plans to be established. Fulfilling the first part is essential for God to bring about the second part.

When we rely entirely on God in our work, He will “establish” our plans, meaning He will bring them to fruition according to His will and timing. By depending on Him in our endeavors, we can anticipate God’s guidance and success. Aligning our work with God’s will is a crucial aspect of committing our work to Him; when our efforts are in harmony with His will, success will ensue.

Proverbs, as a literary genre, impart general life principles rather than specific guarantees. In essence, when we operate in accordance with God’s ways and rely on Him, we can generally anticipate His blessings on our work. However, this does not exempt us from job loss or work-related challenges. Instead, we can trust in God’s promise in Romans 8:28, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This proverb shares a similar theme with Psalm 1:1–3:

“Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight

It is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on His law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.”

When we commit our ways and our work to the Lord, He will bless our efforts according to His perfect will in ways beyond our understanding. We should serve the Lord faithfully and then leave the results to Him. Though we will still face times of difficulty, we can trust that God is working for His ultimate good—and ours—through our efforts to please Him in our daily vocation.