Man's Plans and Casting Lots

For many Bible readers, the Old Testament practice of ‘casting lots’ seems like the use of chance in making decisions. Bible dictionaries suggest that ’lots’ might have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones, or even some kind of ancient dice. Such descriptions resemble today’s ’drawing straws,’ ‘flipping coins’ and ‘rolling dice,’ all ways of deciding by chance. And yet...

The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every decision is from the Lord.

--Proverbs 16:33

What are we supposed to do with this proverb?

Here are a few Bible examples of casting lots to make decisions:

• Lots were cast to select one of two goats for sacrifice. (Leviticus 16:8)
• Lots were cast for the land inheritance of Israel’s tribes. (Joshua 18)
• The apostles cast lots for the man to replace Judas. (Acts 1:16-26)
• Sailors cast lots to discover who was responsible for a storm that endangered their lives. The lot fell to Jonah. (Jonah 1)

In the first three examples it is unclear whether God influenced the outcomes or left each outcome to chance. However, in the case of Jonah, God’s involvement is clear.

It could be argued that when no moral issues are involved and a choice is unclear, a flip of a coin might be wiser than voting or leaving a decision to a committee or other group within a congregation.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was eager for wisdom in making decisions. He consulted His advisors but over time realized that these wise men were either using personal wisdom, relating speculation, or applying chance in their use of astrology, charms, divination, etc. They might as well have been casting lots.

We might be just as eager for wisdom in making decisions, but how can we be sure that God has given us His answer or influenced the outcome? How can we be sure that our eventual course is approved by God? Consider Proverbs 18:18...

The cast lot puts an end to strife

And decides between the mighty ones.

In the numerous passages about casting lots, it appears that God used this as a means of taking the decision out of the hands of men. Whether He caused a certain outcome or allowed chance is not always clear. And yet, it ended strife between people and ended potential anxiety in individuals.

In our day people often look for signs when making decisions. And yet, God does not promise angelic messages, signs in the sky or in dreams. Nor has He instructed us to cast lots. So, when making decisions, first consult God’s written wisdom, the Bible...and follow what you discover. Second, seek wise counsel from someone older and with more experience...and listen! When indecision lingers, you can be sure of two paths that are unwise:

• Praying but doing what you secretly know you want to do. (Read Jeremiah 42 as an example.)
• Praying for guidance and doing nothing when you can do something, and at the same time expecting the Lord to make something happen. (Remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.)

Finally, if ever a choice must be made and the options are equivalent, perhaps wisdom reaches for the ‘lots’ simply to remove human strife.

Mark Stinnett

July 5, 2026

Are The Proverbs Believable

Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
--Proverbs 30:5

God’s word has already been tested. There is no need for us to test or evaluate God’s word to see if it holds true. For example:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, 
But the hand of the diligent makes rich. 
 —Proverbs 10:4

Is it necessary for you to try this out before you believe it? Do you need to research this saying by observing the results of others who are either negligent or diligent in their work? Does it upset you or make you doubt when you think of people who are ‘exceptions’ having seemingly struck it rich in other ways such as: inheritance, get-rich-quick scheme, lucky find, auction treasure, etc.?

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
—Proverbs 19:18 (New Living Translation)

Has modern research governed our thinking about discipline? Who wants to test this proverb on their own children only to find out that God had it right? Do you know children that appear to be exceptions (they had no discipline in the home but turned out great, and vice versa)? If so, would you be willing to omit discipline and just cross your fingers and wish for your child(ren) to turn out great?

Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, 
     for they are on their way to poverty, 
     and too much sleep clothes them in rags. 
 —Proverbs 23:20–21 (New Living Translation)

What would it take to test this proverb? How long to prove it true or false? Do we look at teachings like this but disregard the warning about those with whom we spend our time? Can I associate with evil and not be affected?

The Proverbs do not stand as neutral teachings subject to the testing and approval of man.

In the first proverb quoted here, to ‘take refuge’ in God is to trust His word even when it seems to go against the wisdom of our day. It will serve as a protection to you just as a shield protects a warrior on the battlefield.

God’s word is true. It is trustworthy. It is ready for use.

Embrace the Proverbs. Embrace the truth of God’s word. Here are four more proverbs for our day that are important to live by:

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, 
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. 
—Proverbs 16:32

A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, 
but physical discipline will drive it far away.
 —Proverbs 22:15 (New Living Translation)

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, 
Favor is better than silver and gold. 
—Proverbs 22:1

Do not let your heart envy sinners, 
But live in the fear of the Lord always. 
—Proverbs 23:17

You will need to supply only one thing: genuine faith.

Mark Stinnett

What Is God's Will For Me?

“I don’t know if I should marry <name>; what if he’s not the right one?”
“We don’t know whether we should buy a house or rent.”
“We don’t know which house we should choose.”
“We don’t know if it is the right time to have a child.”
“I don’t know if I should choose job #1, job #2, or just stay where I am.”
“I just don’t know...”

“I wish I knew what God’s will was for me.”

---------------

We sometimes ask questions that cannot be answered with certainty. Let me explain.

Suppose your preacher introduced his Sunday morning sermon topic as ‘The Will of God.’ Do you think he will be discussing your marriage? Your house? The timing of having children? Your job? (I think not.)

Sometimes we twist the meaning of the ‘will of God’ into ‘what God wants for me.’ The latter idea is closely akin to ‘what I hope God wants for me, because I know what I want.’

If you have learned from the Proverbs (the focus of many previous blogs), you already have your answer to the myriad of questions concerning life’s decisions: 

• Be wise. 
• Seek wise counsel and listen, even when it is different from what you want to hear.
• Pursue righteousness in all things.
• Pursue justice and fairness for others.
• Honor God; revere God.

We sometimes set ourselves up for doubt. We believe that we want God’s assistance when we already have our hearts set on our desires. Then when difficulties arise after having made a decision, we doubt God’s help.

Reality check: There will be difficulties regardless of the decisions you make, even if God were to send you a message by way of an angel telling you what to decide. If you think that God’s assistance is the assurance of easy living, you haven’t been reading your Bible.

Now...STOP thinking about yourself!

   Commit your works to the LORD, 
   And your plans will be established.
   --Proverbs 16:3

This proverb does not mean, that you should make ‘your’ plan and then dedicate it to God. That is still ‘your’ plan.

The Hebrew word translated ‘commit’ literally means to ‘roll.’ When used in this context it gives the image of ‘rolling’ something (your works) into the presence of the Lord. It conveys the idea of surrendering your works to him. So, ultimately by surrendering your works to God, you are adopting as 'your will' that which you already know to be God's will. In other words, God's will becomes your will, instead of the other way around.

God’s will, his desire for mankind (and you specifically), is revealed in scripture. Simply stated, God desires the salvation of your soul. He wants you to be fully devoted to him so that you can obtain eternal life and fellowship with Him.

Set in that context you should see with clarity whether you should marry <name>.
Set in that context, you should see with clarity the real importance of houses and jobs and the timing of having children.

Make His will the center of your desire. 
Then your plans will revolve around the will of God. 
Then they will be set (established), as if etched in stone.

I Really Fooled Myself

Humans are visually oriented. We generally picture a person’s face in our mind when we hear their name. Yet we understand that a person is much more complex than their face or the physical form that we see.

Many readers will remember the familiar Bible story of the anointing of King David. God had instructed Samuel, the high priest, to go to the home of a man named Jesse in order to anoint the next king over Israel. After Samuel arrived, Jesse brought his sons to Samuel.

Samuel looked at the oldest son of Jesse, Eliab, and was sure that God had chosen him. However, Samuel became confused when God rejected Eliab and six of his brothers. Ultimately, young David was called in from tending sheep. He was God’s choice.

God instructed Samuel, “...for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

(Read about it in 1 Samuel 16.)

We get it. God sees the inner person.

Unfortunately we sometimes fail with regard to our own selves. Not only are we sometimes tricked by the outer ‘shell’ of others, we can easily fool ourselves about ourselves. Solomon wrote:

     All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, 

     But the LORD weighs the spirits.

     --Proverbs 16:2

People are expert at justifying and rationalizing and explaining things to themselves. When things go wrong, we often rationalize and consider ourselves an exception (i.e. not guilty by virtue of good intentions). In general, people tend to behave as if they are right in their thinking, their decisions, and their behavior; always ready to go on the defensive if anyone challenges.

God cuts through all the exterior. He is not impressed with the outer shell and he is not fooled by the mental gymnastics of our internal rationalizations. God pierces through to the spirit and weighs, that is, evaluates the inner man.

We are completely laid bare before God.

Find confidence and peace in this reality.

• God is just. You cannot fool God. So, God will be just with you.
• God knows you better than you know yourself...and he still loves you.
• If you are not friends with God, he knows. Don’t fool yourself. Make peace.

Be wise.

standing small

I have known men who stood in pride. I have felt the disgust wash over me when prideful men have arrogantly shown contempt for others. I have felt anger when they have strutted in untouchable pride. I have heard their proud voices bark orders to those over whom they had authority. I have even been humiliated by a few.

   Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
   Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
                                                                                    -Proverbs 16:5

The man of pride will receive his due. Yet, as I read and wonder at the truth of this proverb, I do not smile. Even when I consider that the proud man ‘deserves’ God’s wrath, I find little satisfaction in his end.

You see, we have all stood before God in pride, the pride of sin. At one time or another we have all pridefully opposed God by going our own way. We are all guilty before the pure and holy Creator. We all ‘deserve’ His wrath.

Can you envision the man of pride standing before the Supreme Judge? His chest does not swell any longer; his words a whisper, trembling knees, eyes looking downward. Can you see how small he stands?

It is truly reassuring that our God is just. Sin will not go unpunished. Pride will not go unpunished. But how terrifying it is . . . . Are any of us truly great? Truly powerful?

Holy is our God, the Judge.

Keep yourself from pride.

The proud will be brought low.