"One who contemplates a matter will find good, and a person who trusts in HaShem is happy" (Mishlei 16:20).
If a person has steadfast faith in HaShem, should he pursue his goals with reliance on his faith alone, or should he first think how to accomplish his goal and make a strategic plan?
Shlomo HaMelech tells us that every human endeavor requires contemplation. Before a person acts, he must consider whether his intended deed is proper or improper. If he concludes that his action is consistent with Torah values, he must devise a reasonable plan to bring his deed to fruition. If he follows this advice before he acts, he will experience great success. If he acts without counsel, he will suffer many losses.
On the other hand, after one makes a plan to perform an action, he must realize that the success is not dependent upon his effort. Whatever will or will not happen is dependent on the Divine Will.
We are required to plan our actions because it is fitting for man to act with intelligence. It is commensurate with human dignity to act with deliberation, counsel, and precision. However, the success rests solely upon HaShem's blessing.
The Creator encourages us to carefully plan our activities to conduct ourselves with orderliness and calmness. A refined person approaches life with peace of mind and intelligence. However, our trust must be fully in HaShem, alone, for our success is dependent solely on the Will of HaShem.
Take a moment before you act to consider your deed and make a solid plan to implement your action. Remember that "a person who trusts in HaShem is happy."
(Based on the commentary of Rabenu Yona)
