The plans of the heart belong to man
This phrase highlights human agency and the ability to make decisions and formulate intentions. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will (Proverbs 4:23). The Bible acknowledges that humans have the capacity to plan and desire, as seen in Genesis 11:4 with the Tower of Babel, where people devised a plan to make a name for themselves. However, this ability is not absolute, as human plans are subject to divine oversight and intervention. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed significant value on wisdom and discernment, often seeking guidance from God to align personal plans with divine will.

but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty over human speech and outcomes. While humans can devise plans, the ultimate outcome and the words that come forth are under God's control. This reflects the biblical theme of divine providence, where God directs the course of events according to His purposes (Proverbs 19:21). The phrase can be connected to the story of Balaam in Numbers 22-24, where despite his intentions, the words he spoke were directed by God. It also resonates with the New Testament teaching in James 4:13-15, which advises believers to acknowledge God's will in their plans. This underscores the belief that while humans can plan, it is God who determines the final outcome, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often explore themes of wisdom, human behavior, and the fear of the Lord.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
- The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of humanity.

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 Western culture.

4. The Tongue
- Represents speech and communication, often seen as a powerful tool that can reflect one's inner thoughts and intentions.

5. Ancient Israel
- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature played a significant role in teaching moral and ethical behavior.Human Planning vs. Divine Sovereignty
While humans are free to make plans, it is ultimately God who determines the outcome. This teaches humility and reliance on God in all our endeavors.

The Role of the Heart and Speech
Our plans originate in the heart, but it is God who guides our speech. This underscores the importance of aligning our inner desires with God's will.

Trust in God's Wisdom
Trusting that God knows what is best for us can bring peace, even when our plans do not unfold as expected. This encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in decision-making.

Prayerful Planning
Integrating prayer into our planning process invites God's guidance and aligns our desires with His purposes.

Acknowledging God's Control
Recognizing that God has the final say in our lives fosters a spirit of submission and gratitude, knowing that His plans are for our good.XVI.

(1) The preparations of the heart in man . . .--Rather, To man belong the counsels of the heart. He may turn over in his mind what is the right thing to be said on any occasion, "but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue." (Comp. Proverbs 15:23.)

Verses 1-7. - These are specially religions maxims, and they all contain the name Jehovah. Verse 1. - The Authorized Version makes one sentence of this verse without any contrast or antithesis. This is plainly wrong, there being intended a contrast between the thought of the heart and the well ordered speech. It is better translated, The plans of the heart are man's: but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah. Men make plans, arrange speeches, muster arguments, in the mind; but to put these into proper, persuasive words is a gift of God. "Our sufficiency is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5). In the case of Balaam, God overruled the wishes and intentions of the prophet, and constrained him to give utterance to something very different from his original mental conceptions. But the present sentence attributes the outward expression of what the mind has conceived in every case unto the help of God (comp. vers. 9, 33; Proverbs 15:23). Christ enjoined his disciples to trust to momentary inspiration in their apologies or defences before unbelievers (Matthew 10:19). This verse is omitted in the Septuagint.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The plans
מַֽעַרְכֵי־ (ma·‘ar·ḵê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4633: An arrangement, mental disposition

of the heart
לֵ֑ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

belong to man,
לְאָדָ֥ם (lə·’ā·ḏām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

but the reply
מַעֲנֵ֥ה (ma·‘ă·nêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4617: An answer, response

of the tongue
לָשֽׁוֹן׃ (lā·šō·wn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

[is] from the LORD.
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


Proverbs 16:1 NIV
Proverbs 16:1 NLT
Proverbs 16:1 ESV
Proverbs 16:1 NASB
Proverbs 16:1 KJV

Proverbs 16:1 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 16:1 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 16:1 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 16:1 French Bible
Proverbs 16:1 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong (Prov. Pro Pr)