“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:1)
This verse in Proverbs lays the whole work of grace at the feet of God. It states that even the inward preparations of the heart, as well as the outward expressions of the tongue, are from the Lord. Not only actions, but affections; not only speech, but disposition; not only fruit, but principle—all are governed by divine influence.
If the heart must be prepared by God, and the tongue must answer aright by His enabling, then man cannot produce spiritual good from his own strength. Left to himself, the sinner may think, speak, and act—but never rightly toward God. There may be motion, but there cannot be holiness… there may be activity, but there cannot be righteousness.
The doctrine of efficacious grace is here plainly confirmed. True holiness, both in principle and in practice, comes from God. It is not self-generated nor gradually formed by natural effort alone; it must be wrought by divine operation. The first inclination toward God, the first movement of love, the first stirrings of true repentance—these are all from Him.
Reason itself confirms this truth. No man can produce holy actions without a holy principle, and no man can create that principle within himself. Love to God cannot arise from a heart that does not already possess such love. Therefore the beginning of all true virtue must be given by God.
Many think that they may prepare themselves for grace, soften their own hearts, or incline their own wills toward God. But this text declares otherwise. The preparation itself is from the Lord. Even the seeking that finds is a seeking enabled by grace.[1]
This does not remove responsibility, but rather directs us to the proper source of help. The command to seek is joined with the promise that God gives the heart to seek Him.
Even in daily life, this truth applies. The believer depends on God not only for great acts of obedience, but for every right word, every wise decision, every holy thought. Without divine assistance, the heart wanders and the tongue errs. But when God governs within, both heart and speech are brought into conformity with His will.
Contemplations:
- A heart inclined toward God. Lord, incline my heart toward You. Left to myself, my affections drift toward sin and vanity. So help me love what You command and hate what You forbid. Prepare my heart to seek You sincerely and continually.
- Right thoughts and holy desires. Father, govern the inward workings of my soul. Order my thoughts, purify my motives, and sanctify my desires. Let nothing take root in my heart that dishonors You. Make both my inner life and my outward conduct pleasing in Your sight.
- Speech governed by grace. Lord, I ask You to keep me from careless, sinful, or unprofitable words. Let my speech be seasoned with grace, directed by wisdom, and used for Your glory. Teach me to speak as one under Your authority.
- Continual dependence on divine grace. Father, let me not trust in my own strength, wisdom, or resolve. Remind me that without You I can do nothing. And make me diligent in prayer, seeking from You what I cannot produce in myself.
Prayer (Supplication)
Holy and sovereign Lord, I come before You acknowledging that the preparations of the heart and the answer of the tongue are from You alone, and that I am not sufficient of myself to think, desire, or act rightly apart from Your grace.
Lord, prepare my heart for every good work. Incline it toward Yourself. Turn it away from sin, from vanity, and from worldly distractions. Make it ready to hear Your Word, quick to obey Your commands, and willing to follow Your will.
Govern my thoughts, for they are often vain and unprofitable. Cleanse my mind from sinful imaginations, wandering distractions, and proud reasoning. And instead, fill it with truth, with holy meditation, and with desires that honor You.
Direct my affections, for they are often misplaced. I have loved what I should not love and neglected what I should pursue. Teach me to delight in You above all things, and to find my satisfaction in Your presence.
Keep me from speaking foolishly, rashly, or sinfully. Let my words be guided by Your wisdom, seasoned with grace, and used for edification. And make me mindful that every word is spoken before You.
Finally, help me to seek You in all things, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from above. Begin, continue, and perfect every good work within me, that my life may reflect Your grace and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Prov. 16:1:
Prov. 16:9; Prov. 19:21; Ezra 7:27; Prov. 21:1
[1] Jonathan Edwards, “‘Efficacious Grace,’ Bk. IV,” in Jonathan Edwards Documents (New Haven, CT: The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University, 2016).
