Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. 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. 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. Majority Standard Bible A man?s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines 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. 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. 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 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 Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. 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. 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 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. 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. Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. 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 This phrase highlights the human tendency to make plans and set goals based on personal desires and understanding. In biblical context, the heart often represents the center of one's thoughts, emotions, and will. The Bible frequently acknowledges human agency and the ability to make choices, as seen in passages like Joshua 24:15, where the Israelites are urged to choose whom they will serve. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed significant value on wisdom and planning, as seen in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including Proverbs itself. However, this phrase also implies the limitations of human understanding, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which describes the heart as deceitful. but the LORD determines his steps 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.(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 Links Proverbs 16:9 NIVProverbs 16:9 NLT Proverbs 16:9 ESV Proverbs 16:9 NASB Proverbs 16:9 KJV Proverbs 16:9 BibleApps.com Proverbs 16:9 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 16:9 Chinese Bible Proverbs 16:9 French Bible Proverbs 16:9 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his course (Prov. Pro Pr) |