Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. I. CONSIDER THE RESULT OF A "LOT" IN REFERENCE TO MEN. Why suspend the decision of some dubious case upon it? It implies something future, and something contingent. It is something absolutely out of the reach of man's knowledge, and equally out of reach of his power. A contingent event baffles man's knowledge and evades his power. II. CONSIDER THE RESULT OF A LOT IN RESPECT OF GOD. All contingencies are comprehended by a certain Divine knowledge, and governed by as certain and steady a providence. God directs the greatest casualties under His providence to certain ends, in reference to societies and to particular persons. In the latter case, touching their lives, their health, their reputation, their friendships, and their employments or preferments. Since the interest of governments and nations, of princes and private persons, notwithstanding all the contrivance and power that human nature can exert about them, remain so wholly contingent, as to us, surely all the reason of mankind cannot suggest any solid ground of satisfaction, but in making that God our friend who is the sole and absolute disposer of all these things, and in carrying a conscience so clear towards Him as may encourage us with confidence to cast ourselves upon Him, and in all casualties still to promise ourselves the best events from His providence, to whom nothing is casual, who constantly wills the truest happiness of those that trust in Him, and works all things according to the counsel of that blessed will. (R. South.) Parallel Verses KJV: The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.WEB: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh. |
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