New International Version In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. New Living Translation We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. English Standard Version The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Berean Standard Bible A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Berean Literal Bible The heart of man plans his way, and YHWH establishes his step. King James Bible A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. New King James Version A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. New American Standard Bible The mind of a person plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. NASB 1995 The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. NASB 1977 The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Legacy Standard Bible The heart of man plans his way, But Yahweh directs his steps. Amplified Bible A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them. Berean Annotated Bible A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD {YHWH} determines his steps. Christian Standard Bible A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps. Holman Christian Standard Bible A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps. American Standard Version A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps. Contemporary English Version We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go. English Revised Version A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. GOD'S WORD® Translation A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps. Good News Translation You may make your plans, but God directs your actions. International Standard Version A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. NET Bible A person plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. New Heart English Bible A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. Webster's Bible Translation A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. World English Bible A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe heart of man devises his way, "" And YHWH establishes his step. Berean Literal Bible The heart of man plans his way, and YHWH establishes his step. Young's Literal Translation The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step. Smith's Literal Translation The heart of man will purpose his ways, and Jehovah will prepare his steps. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe heart of man disposeth his way: but the Lord must direct his steps. Catholic Public Domain Version The heart of man disposes his way. But it is for Lord to direct his steps. New American Bible The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. New Revised Standard Version The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA man's heart devises his ways; but the LORD directs his steps. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The heart of a son of man plans his ways and LORD JEHOVAH orders his steps. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A man's heart deviseth his way; But the LORD directeth his steps.All of the works of the Lord are done with righteousness; and the ungodly man is kept for the evil day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD…8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.… Cross References A man’s heart plans his course, Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 20:24 A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. / Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Psalm 33:10-11 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. / The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. Ephesians 1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, Psalm 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. Genesis 50:20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Acts 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. Job 23:13-14 But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. / For He carries out His decree against me, and He has many such plans. Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. Treasury of Scripture A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Proverbs 20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? Jump to Previous Course Designs Determines Deviseth Directeth Directs Establisheth Guide Heart Mind Plans Step Steps WayJump to Next Course Designs Determines Deviseth Directeth Directs Establisheth Guide Heart Mind Plans Step Steps WayProverbs 16 1. The Plans of the heartA man’s heart plans his course, Human beings rightly consider their responsibilities, set goals, and make choices. The heart includes the inner life from which desires, judgments, and intentions arise. Wisdom calls for diligent planning, yet fallen human judgment is limited and often distorted by self-interest. Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve, while the prophets repeatedly exposed the danger of trusting one’s own heart rather than God’s word. Many purposes may fill a person’s mind, but they remain accountable to the Lord’s greater purpose. Pro 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose… but the LORD determines his steps. Yahweh governs the path that finally unfolds, directing circumstances, opening and closing opportunities, and overruling even human evil for His righteous ends. Joseph recognized this truth when he told his brothers that God intended for good what they had meant for evil. God’s sovereignty does not cancel human responsibility; people genuinely choose and act, yet the Lord establishes the outcome according to His will. Believers therefore plan diligently but submit their plans to God, saying with James that they will act “if the Lord wills.” Jesus perfectly embodied such submission when He yielded to the Father’s will in Gethsemane. Pro 20:24 A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often explore themes of wisdom, understanding, and the fear of the Lord. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and active role in guiding the lives of His people. 3. The Heart In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of human thought, emotion, and will, not just the seat of emotions as often thought in modern contexts. 4. Plans The Hebrew word for plans ("chashav") implies devising or calculating a course of action, reflecting human intention and foresight. 5. Steps The term steps ("tsa'ad") refers to the actual movements or actions taken, which are ultimately directed by God. Teaching Points Human Planning vs. Divine SovereigntyWhile it is wise to plan and prepare, we must recognize that God's sovereignty ultimately guides our lives. Our plans should be made with humility and openness to God's direction. Trust in God's Guidance Trusting in the Lord's guidance means surrendering our own understanding and desires, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours. The Role of Prayer in Planning Prayer should be an integral part of our planning process, seeking God's wisdom and direction in all our decisions. Living with Flexibility and Faith Being flexible in our plans allows us to adapt to God's leading, demonstrating faith in His perfect will and timing. Acknowledging God's Control in Our Lives Recognizing God's control brings peace and assurance, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:9?2. How can we align our plans with God's direction in Proverbs 16:9? 3. What does Proverbs 16:9 teach about God's sovereignty over human plans? 4. How does Proverbs 16:9 connect with James 4:13-15 on planning? 5. How can Proverbs 16:9 guide daily decision-making and goal-setting? 6. In what ways can prayer help us trust God's guidance in Proverbs 16:9? 7. How does Proverbs 16:9 reconcile human free will with divine sovereignty? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 16:9? 9. How does archaeology support the authenticity of Proverbs 16:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16? What Does Proverbs 16:9 Mean A man’s heart• God created people with minds capable of real intention, reason, and desire. • Those inner motives matter to Him (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 21:2). • “The plans of the heart belong to man” (Proverbs 16:1), showing genuine human responsibility. • We must guard that heart diligently (Proverbs 4:23) because whatever rules there will shape every outward choice. Plans his course • We map out careers, families, budgets, and dreams, aiming for a straight line to our goals. • Jesus Himself endorsed thoughtful planning (Luke 14:28–30). • Yet James warns, “You who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city’ … you do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:13-14). • Our spreadsheets, calendars, and five-year strategies are legitimate—just not ultimate. But the LORD • Here comes the grand interruption: God’s sovereign conjunction. • “Our God is in the heavens; He does as He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). • His counsel alone stands forever (Isaiah 46:9-10; Proverbs 19:21). • The verse does not pit God against our planning; it places Him above it, weaving His perfect wisdom through every circumstance. Determines his steps • The Hebrew picture is of God “setting up” or “establishing” each footfall. • “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23). • Even detours, delays, and hardships are appointments, not accidents (Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20). • Trusting this truth frees us from fear: if He directs the steps, He also supplies the grace to walk them (2 Corinthians 12:9). summary We rightly think, dream, and strategize, but every heartbeat and footstep rests in the hands of a sovereign, caring God. Plan diligently, hold those plans loosely, and walk confidently, knowing the Lord who loves you is guiding every stride. (9) A man’s heart deviseth his way . . .—“Man proposeth, God disposeth.” (See below on Proverbs 20:24.)Verse 9. - A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps (ver. 1). "Man proposes, God disposes" or, as the Germans say, "Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt" (comp. Proverbs 20:24). The word rendered "deviseth" implies, by its spectra, intensity of thought and care. Man meditates and prepares his plans with the utmost solicitude, but it rests with God whether he shall carry them to completion or not, and whether, if they are to be accomplished, it be done with ease or with painful labour (comp. Genesis 24:12, etc.). We all remember Shakespeare's words in 'Hamlet' -"There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Hebrew A man’sאָ֭דָם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being heart לֵ֣ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre plans יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב (yə·ḥaš·šêḇ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2803: To think, account his course, דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (dar·kōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action but the LORD וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel determines יָכִ֥ין (yā·ḵîn) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3559: To be erect his steps. צַעֲדֽוֹ׃ (ṣa·‘ă·ḏōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6806: A pace, regular step Additonal Resources Proverbs 16:9 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 16:9 Bible Gateway Proverbs 16:9 Bible.com Proverbs 16:9 NIV |
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