1. The king's heart is in the Lord's hand (1-16)

The king is the leader of his people. He thinks he is in control; but God controls his heart. A man makes plans and does what seems right to him, but sometimes a man's perspective is crooked because his heart is crooked. God weighs a person's heart. God does not like haughty eyes or a proud heart. He does not like men who use violence to get what they want. To do what is right is more acceptable to the Lord than religious ritual (3).

2. He who pursues righteousness and love (17-31)

Neither worldly pleasures, nor material things such as a comfortable house can make a person happy (17); nor does marriage itself solve a person's problems (9,19). The person who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Men make plans, and get their horses ready for battle, but only God can give victory (30,31).

Application: Lord, help me to seek righteousness, not physical ease and material things; help me to become a loving person.
One Word: The Lord gives victory