This proverb is urging us not to praise our tomorrows. Although little orphan Annie might bet her bottom dollar, there is no guarantee that the sun will come up tomorrow, and even if it does there is no guarantee we will be alive to see it.
Some people boast in their tomorrow by laying out elaborate plans. They fill their calendar with projects, goals, to do lists, and deadlines. When questioned, they can layout the next 15 years for the interviewer. They have it all figured out. They believe themselves to be the masters of their own destiny.
Other people boast in their tomorrow by putting everything off until later. Their motto is, "Never do today what can be put off until tomorrow." They muse, "Some day, some day." But someday never comes, because tomorrow is always on the horizon. They also believe they are the masters of their destiny, at least as soon as they can get to it.
Most of us assume tomorrow. We think and plan as if tomorrow is just around the corner. But none of us are promised tomorrow. As James says,
Come now, you who say, "'Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." Your don't even know what tomorrow will bring--what your life will be! For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil (James 4:13-16, HCSB).
Planning has a place, but planning that does not give attention to seeking God's will is wasted. Mapping our our future, without giving priority to God is destined to fail. Yes, it might succeed for a time, but judgment delayed is not judgment denied. We will all stand before God and give an account for our stewardship of time. The reward will not go to those with the best plans, but to those who have planned best. That is, those who want to see their plans honored by God had better make his plans their own.
Some may read this and assume that there is no reason to plan at all, but that assumption misses the mark. James doesn't say all planning is evil, he says planning that leaves God out of the mix is boasting, and that boasting is evil. Seek God, then make your plans. In what ways does God what to grow you? In what ways has God blessed you? What are you talents and interests? What does God's Word say about the path you are taking?
Commit your way to the Lord, and he will establish the plans of your heart. He will guide you. Commit to the plans he gives you. Realize that their is a reason that you can only see so far down the road. Keep the big picture in mind, as you face the day before you. No matter how you try, you can't live twenty years in the span of a day. As Jesus said, "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt. 6:34, HCSB).
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