Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportancePlanning, in a biblical context, refers to the act of making thoughtful decisions and preparations for the future. It involves setting goals, devising strategies, and organizing resources to achieve desired outcomes. The Bible underscores the importance of planning as a means of exercising wisdom and stewardship over the resources and opportunities God provides.
Biblical Principles of PlanningThe Scriptures provide numerous insights into the principles of planning, emphasizing reliance on God's guidance and wisdom.
Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved." This verse highlights the necessity of aligning one's plans with God's will, ensuring that human endeavors are rooted in divine purpose.
God's Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityWhile planning is encouraged, the Bible also teaches that God's sovereignty ultimately governs the outcome of human plans.
Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This verse reminds believers that while they are responsible for making plans, they must remain humble and open to God's direction, acknowledging that His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.
Examples of Planning in the BibleSeveral biblical figures exemplify the practice of planning. Joseph, for instance, is a notable example. In
Genesis 41, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and devises a plan to store grain during seven years of abundance to prepare for the subsequent seven years of famine. His foresight and strategic planning not only saved Egypt but also preserved his own family.
Nehemiah is another example of effective planning. Upon hearing about the desolation of Jerusalem, Nehemiah prays and then carefully plans the rebuilding of the city's walls. He assesses the situation, gathers resources, and organizes the people, demonstrating the importance of preparation and leadership (
Nehemiah 2:11-18).
Warnings Against Neglecting PlanningThe Bible also warns against the folly of neglecting planning.
Proverbs 21:5 states, "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." This verse contrasts the prosperity that comes from careful planning with the ruin that results from rashness and lack of foresight.
Jesus Himself taught about the necessity of planning in
Luke 14:28-30, where He uses the analogy of building a tower: "Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?" This teaching underscores the importance of considering the cost and implications of one's actions before proceeding.
Planning in the Early ChurchThe early church also engaged in planning, particularly in the organization and distribution of resources. In
Acts 6:1-7, the apostles addressed the needs of the growing Christian community by appointing deacons to oversee the distribution of food, ensuring that the needs of all, especially the widows, were met. This strategic planning allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.
ConclusionThe Bible presents planning as a vital aspect of wise living, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance, exercise diligence, and remain flexible to His leading. Through planning, Christians can effectively steward their resources and fulfill their God-given purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Plan.
Greek
1014. boulomai -- to will... See 1012 (). 1014 (" plan") is a strong term that underlines the predetermined
(and determined) intention driving the
planning (wishing, resolving).
...4275. proeido -- to foresee
... 4275 (from 4253 , "before" and 1492 , "see, know," = 4275a, dictionary) -- properly,
(know in advance); used of God foreseeing (planning out) all of history ....
Strong's Hebrew
2803. chashab -- to think, account... 2), esteemed (2), execute (1), have (1), impute (1), intend (2), make (2), makers
(1), meant (2), mindful (1), plan (2), planned (3),
planning (5), plans (4
...3739. karah -- to trade, get by trade
... Usually assigned as a primitive root, but probably only a special application of
karah (through the common idea ofplanning implied in a bargain); to purchase...
Library
Seventh Tractate. How the Multiplicity of the Ideal-Forms came...
... Now what is the foundation of reasoned plan? Precedentplanning, it may be; but
still we are forced back to some thing or things determining it....
The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... I had beenplanning to take no meetings during that furlough, but to devote
myself wholly to my children. I confessed the sin of...
Joy in Salvation
... The salvation we have already spoken of is God's, and it is God's salvation in many
ways. It was his in theplanning. None but himself could have planned it....
Ninth Tractate. Detached Considerations.
... No doubt the passage: [of the Timaeus] seems to imply tacitly that thisplanning
Principle is distinct from the other two: but the three " the Essentially...
A Fence of Trust.
... There is just one day in the calendar of action; that's to-day.Planning
should include a wide swing of days; wiseplanning must....
He Touched Her Hand.
... Some of the church ladies were coming that morning for a society meeting,
and she had beenplanning a dainty luncheon for them....
The Power that Never Fails.
... It seems to be a part of our make-up to make plans, and to count on the
plans. Andplanning does much. We don't want to plan less...
Jonathan's Love for David
... is there for all his family.' If he says, 'Good,' then it is well with your servant;
but if he gets angry, then you will know that he isplanning to harm me....
Of the Devil, the World, God, Providence, Man, and his Wisdom.
... Since God was possessed [202] of the greatest foresight forplanning, and of the
greatest skill for carrying out in action, before He commenced this business...
Salvation of the Lord
... No human intellect and no created intelligence assisted God in theplanning of
salvation; he contrived the way, even as he himself carried it out....
Thesaurus
Planning (8 Occurrences)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Plan. Multi-Version Concordance
Planning (8 Occurrences).
... They were
planning an ambush to kill him on the way. (WEY RSV).
...Planned (34 Occurrences)
Plans (55 Occurrences)
Lot (145 Occurrences)
... or draw lots. 3. (n.) The part, or fate, which falls to one, as it were,
by chance, or without hisplanning. 4. (n.) A separate...
Garden (68 Occurrences)
... Theplanning of their gardens so as to utilize the water supplies has become
instinctive with the inhabitants of Palestine and Syria....
Foresight (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Wiseplanning for the future; prescience;
foreknowledge. 2. (n.) Action in reference to the future...
Forethought (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.)Planning beforehand; prescience;
premeditation; forecast; provident care. 2. (a.) Thought of, or...
Prejudice (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:3 asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice--to have him brought to Jerusalem.
They wereplanning an ambush to kill him on the way. (WEY)....
Projection (3 Occurrences)
... beyond something else. 3. (n.) The act of scheming orplanning; also, that
which is planned; contrivance; design; plan. 4. (n.) The...
Paul's (34 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:3 asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice--to have him brought to Jerusalem.
They wereplanning an ambush to kill him on the way. (WEY)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about family planning? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian get insurance? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.orgPlanning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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