When the Apostles were looking to fill Judas’ position as an Apostle, they cast lots between Barsabbas and Matthias to see who would get his vacant position (cf. Acts 1:26). I’ve thought that this was an odd thing for them to do since the casting of lots always seemed to be an Old Testament thing to me, and it seemed like an equally odd way of settling such an important issue. However, as I read Proverbs today, I was reminded that nothing is random, and nothing happens by chance. Proverbs 16:33 states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (NIV).

As I continued reading, I also encountered this Proverb.

Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

Proverbs 18:18 (NIV)

Suddenly, I realized that perhaps the casting of lots for Judas’ position was done to mitigate any hurt feelings and such that might have arisen if the selection had been done differently. Indeed, when lots were cast for parts of the Promised Land in the Old Testament, it makes sense that lots were thrown to avoid disputes about favoritism, etc. Why not here?

Something else we might notice when reading Proverbs is the importance of controlling what we say. We have this intelligence from James.

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

James 3:6 (NIV)

I’ve often prayed for the Lord to help me only say things that give life to others and edify God. I know that this isn’t an uncommon prayer for us, and there’s nothing wrong with asking God to help us. This leads me to this verse from Proverbs.

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)

Sometimes, the wisest thing we can say is nothing at all. In the book of James, we also get some insight into controlling our temperament.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (emphasis added).

James 1:19 (NIV)

Perhaps, if we were all quicker to listen instead of speaking quickly, our world would be better.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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