Early Decisions

(Pro 14:22 KJV)  Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

As I meditated on this verse my thoughts went to the old issue of the chicken and the egg.  Which comes first the “devise” (2790a) or “err" (go astray NASB) (8582)?  My thoughts go to my questions about free will and grace.  There is a concept called “prevenient grace”.  My understanding of this is that it describes the working of the Holy Spirit in the unrepentant heart.  It is how God nudges or offers us chances to make decisions that nudge.  Because I believe in free will I think people make decisions before repentance that either move them toward or away from God.  Because I believe in original sin, I don’t think the natural man is capable of knowing where it will lead.  It does reflect he desire of the heart.

So?  God works on us a long time before we read the tract or hear the sermon.  I tend to think that usually our inclinations are what prompt Him to extend grace to us.  There are a lot of pitfalls down this path but it needs to be considered.