Proverbs 16:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

NIV: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

NASB: The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

CSB: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

NLT: We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.

KJV: The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

NKJV: The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

This proverb emphasizes the Lord's sovereign control over all things. Many common English expressions about luck relate to rolling dice. The point of dice is belief that well-balanced cubes will give a completely random result each time they are used. Casting lots in the Old Testament era might have involved one or more methods meant to seek an uncontrolled, arbitrary result. Such techniques are often used when a decision needs to be completely free from human bias (Proverbs 18:18; Joshua 14:2; Jonah 1:7).

The truth is that what human beings call "luck" is merely the sum of all the factors we cannot see or control. No dice roll, or casting of lots, ever takes God by surprise. Some things do happen "by chance," from the human perspective, as even Jesus noted (Luke 10:31). That does not mean they are arbitrary or random from God's point of view. Even those things we perceive as determined by chance are in the Lord's control (Psalm 16:5). This proverb points out that even those things we think of as "pure chance" are still under God's sovereign control.

After Judas committed suicide, Peter led 120 believers to cast lots to decide who should become an apostle in place of Judas. Barsabbas and Matthias became the two candidates for the apostolic office. When the group prayed for the Lord's will to be accomplished, they said: "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place" (Acts 1:24–25). Then they cast lots, "and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26).

This part of Solomon's proverbs emphasizes human motives, self-control, and common sense. Many of these proverbs are arranged in a two-part style. The first and second half of these statements make the same basic point, but from opposite perspectives. Notable verses are verses 9 and 33, speaking of God's sovereignty, and verse 18, a famous warning about arrogance. Also often cited is verse 25, which repeats Proverbs 14:12 and encourages self-reflection.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.