Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. New Living Translation We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall. English Standard Version The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Berean Standard Bible The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. King James Bible The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. New King James Version The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. New American Standard Bible The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. NASB 1995 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. NASB 1977 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. Legacy Standard Bible The lot is cast into the lap, But its every judgment is from Yahweh. Amplified Bible The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. Christian Standard Bible The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Holman Christian Standard Bible The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. American Standard Version The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah. Contemporary English Version We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens. English Revised Version The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation The dice are thrown, but the LORD determines every outcome. Good News Translation People cast lots to learn God's will, but God himself determines the answer. International Standard Version The dice is cast into someone's lap, but the outcome is from the LORD. NET Bible The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is from the LORD. New Heart English Bible The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposing of it is from the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. World English Bible The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe lot is cast into the center, "" And all its judgment [is] from YHWH! Young's Literal Translation Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah is all its judgment! Smith's Literal Translation In the bosom he shall, cast the lot; and from Jehovah all his judgment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLots are cast into the lap, but they are disposed of by the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version Lots are cast into the lap, but they are tempered by the Lord. New American Bible Into the bag the lot is cast, but from the LORD comes every decision. New Revised Standard Version The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the LORD’s alone. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe evil of the vicious falls into his own bosom; and his judgment proceeds from before the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Into the breast of the vicious his portion falls; from before LORD JEHOVAH goes forth his judgment. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation All evils come upon the ungodly into their bosoms; but all righteous things come of the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD…32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Cross References Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. Psalm 37:23 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. 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.’ Daniel 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. Ecclesiastes 7:14 In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him. Lamentations 3:37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Acts 1:24-26 And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles. 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. 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, 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.” Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Treasury of Scripture The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. Numbers 26:55 Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. Joshua 7:14 In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man. Joshua 18:5,10 And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north… Jump to Previous Cast Centre Chance Decision Disposing Judgment Lot Thereof Whole WhollyJump to Next Cast Centre Chance Decision Disposing Judgment Lot Thereof Whole WhollyProverbs 16 1. The Plans of the heartThe lot is cast into the lap In ancient times, casting lots was a common practice used to make decisions or discern divine will. This method involved throwing stones, sticks, or other objects to determine an outcome. The practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus 16:8, where lots were used to choose between the scapegoat and the goat for sacrifice. The phrase "into the lap" suggests a personal and intimate setting, indicating that the decision-making process was often done in a private or sacred context. The use of lots was a way to seek God's guidance, reflecting a belief in His sovereignty over seemingly random events. but its every decision is from the LORD 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 divine sovereignty and human responsibility. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where casting lots was a common practice for making decisions and seeking divine guidance. 3. Casting Lots An ancient practice used to discern God's will or make decisions. It involved throwing marked stones or sticks and interpreting the outcome as a divine decision. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod is ultimately in control of all outcomes, even those that seem random or left to chance. This should encourage trust in His plans and purposes. Human Responsibility While God is sovereign, humans are still responsible for their actions and decisions. We should seek His guidance in all things. Trust in God's Decisions Even when outcomes are uncertain, believers can have confidence that God’s decisions are for their good and His glory. Prayerful Decision-Making Before making decisions, especially significant ones, seek God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer and Scripture. Faith in Uncertainty In times of uncertainty, remember that God’s will prevails. This should bring peace and assurance to believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:33?2. How does Proverbs 16:33 illustrate God's sovereignty over seemingly random events? 3. What does "every decision is from the LORD" teach about divine providence? 4. How can Proverbs 16:33 deepen our trust in God's control over our lives? 5. How does Proverbs 16:33 connect with Romans 8:28 on God's purpose in events? 6. How can we apply Proverbs 16:33 when making decisions in uncertain situations? 7. How does Proverbs 16:33 reconcile with the concept of free will? 8. Does Proverbs 16:33 suggest that God controls all outcomes, even in random events? 9. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 16:33? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16? 11. What does casting lots mean in the Bible? 12. Is gambling considered sinful? 13. Is poker considered sinful? 14. Does gambling align with biblical teachings on stewardship? What Does Proverbs 16:33 Mean The lot is cast• Ancient Israel turned to lots when a choice had to be made and human wisdom reached its limit—Joshua “cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD” (Joshua 18:10). • The disciples relied on lots to replace Judas: “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias” (Acts 1:26). • The verse recognizes genuine human action: someone actually picks up the stones or sticks and throws them. People plan, act, and decide (Proverbs 16:1; 19:21), yet the very act of tossing the lot is only the beginning of the story. Into the lap • In biblical culture a long outer garment formed a fold—“the lap”—where objects could rest (Luke 6:38). Picture someone catching the little stones right against his clothes. • The phrase paints an everyday scene: no temple, no priest, just ordinary people doing ordinary things. Even such commonplace moments matter to God (Proverbs 3:6; Psalm 139:3). • The lap image reminds us how near, personal, and immediate God’s involvement is; nothing happens at arm’s length. But its every decision • “Every” leaves no room for luck. From seemingly routine outcomes to life-altering ones, all fall under the same rule (Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 46:10). • Scripture repeats the theme: “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23), and “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). • Even when motives are mixed or unknown—think of Jonah’s shipmates casting lots (Jonah 1:7)—the final verdict is never random. Is from the LORD • God’s sovereignty stands behind every cast stone, every coin flip, every “chance” event. “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). • Daniel declared, “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). If He appoints monarchs, He certainly rules a toss of pebbles. • When the apostles prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen” (Acts 1:24), they trusted this very principle. • Romans 8:28 widens the lens: “All things work together for the good of those who love God.” The lot in Proverbs 16:33 is just one illustration of that all-embracing providence. summary Proverbs 16:33 assures us that while people act—casting lots, making plans, taking risks—God rules. Even the tiniest detail, the fall of a stone into a lap, comes under His precise, personal government. The verse invites steady confidence: trust Him in every decision, because He is already directing the outcome. (33) The lot is cast into the lap . . .--In other words, much that we attribute to chance is due to the providence of God. (Comp. Matthew 10:29-30.) This should be an encouragement to trust in Him.Verse 33. - The lot is cast into the lap. The bosom or fold of the garment (Proverbs 6:27; Proverbs 17:23; Proverbs 21:14). It is not quite clear what articles the Jews used in their divinations by lot. Probably they employed stones, differing in shape or colour, or having some distinguishing mark. These were placed in a vessel or in the fold of a garment, and drawn or shaken thence. Such a practice has been common in all ages and countries; and though only cursorily mentioned in the Mosaic legislation (Numbers 26:55), it was used by the Jews from the time of Joshua, and in the earliest days of the Christian Church (see Joshua 18:10; Judges 20:9; 1 Samuel 10:20, 21; Acts 1:28, etc.). As by this means man's agency was minimized, and all partiality and chicanery were excluded, the decision was regarded as directed by Providence. There is one case only of ordeal in the Law, and that under suspicion of adultery (Numbers 5:12, etc.). In the Epistle to the Hebrews, in place of the lot we read (Hebrews 6:16), "An oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife." The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. In these cases the Jew learned to see, in what we call chance, the overruling of Divine power. But this was not blind superstition. He did not feel justified in resorting to this practice on every trivial occasion, as persons used the Sortes Virgilianae or even the verses of the Bible for the same purpose. The lot was employed religiously in cases where other means of decision were not suitable or available; it was not to supersede common prudence or careful investigation; but, for example, in trials where the evidence was conflicting and the judges could not determine the case, the merits were ascer-rained by lot (comp. ch. 18:18). After the effusion of the Holy Spirit, the apostles never resorted to divination, and the Christian Church has wisely repudiated the practice of all such modes of discovering the Divine will. Septuagint, "For the unrighteous all things fall into their bosom, but from the Lord are all just things," which may mean either that, though the wicked seem to prosper, God still works out his righteous ends; or the evil suffer retribution, and thus God's justice is displayed. |
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