Proverbs 21:1-3 (NASB)

1The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.  2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,But the Lord weighs the hearts.  3 To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.

Observations:

Solomon informs the reader that the Lord controls the king’s heart. (1a)

Solomon informs the reader that the king’s heart is like channels of water. (1b)

Solomon informs the reader that the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. (1c)

Solomon informs the reader that the Lord turns the king’s heart wherever he wishes. (1d)

Solomon informs the reader that every man’s way is right in his own eyes. (2a)

Solomon informs the reader that the Lord weighs the hearts of every man. (2b)

Solomon informs the reader that righteousness is desired of every man. (3a)

Solomon informs the reader that justice is desired of every man. (3b)

Solomon informs the reader that sacrifice is also of importance but lesser than righteousness and justice. (3c)

Commentary:  Solomon reveals to us that good leadership is a channel of water that is controlled by God.  He directs it wherever He chooses.  Leadership that has the right motive is under the control and in the hand of God.  We often try to prove something is right by appearances, even if what we demonstrate is not our true intent.  God knows what we truly value.  We judge much by what we see, but God judges what we cannot see.  Living right before God and treating our fellow man in the same way, mean far more to God than religious performance.

 Living Word OP(portunity):

1. Determine if your worship is a reflection of your witness.  If not, what needs to change?
2. Pray to God that your praise and worship of Him is solely for Him.
3. Ask God for what He desires of you in the worship setting.
4. Examine your motives of worship.  Am I doing this out of routine or because of His righteousness?