What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:1?

The plans of the heart belong to man

“The plans of the heart belong to man” (Proverbs 16:1a).

• God has created us with minds that can dream, strategize, and decide. You see this freedom in moments like Nehemiah mapping out how to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:4-8) or Paul planning missionary routes (Acts 16:6-8).

• Scripture invites careful planning—Proverbs 21:5 commends “the plans of the diligent,” and Jesus illustrates counting the cost before building a tower (Luke 14:28-30).

• Yet plans remain “of the heart,” limited and fallible. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail,” underscoring both our responsibility to plan and our need to keep those plans humble.

Key thought: steward your ability to plan, but never pretend your plan is final.

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but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD

“but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:1b).

• While we form ideas, God governs outcomes—down to the very words that emerge. Moses feared speaking, but God promised, “I will be with your mouth and teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:12).

• Jesus echoes this assurance: when His followers face pressure, “Do not worry about how to speak… for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19-20).

• This sovereignty doesn’t cancel human speech; it directs it. David could say, “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2). Likewise, Peter’s Pentecost sermon shows how God’s message flows through willing lips (Acts 2:14-36).

• Practical takeaway:

– Plan thoughtfully.

– Speak dependently, knowing God can override, reshape, or confirm your words (Proverbs 16:9).

– Rest in His oversight, especially when conversations feel high-stakes (Proverbs 15:23; 2 Timothy 4:17).

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summary

Proverbs 16:1 holds two balancing truths. We rightly craft plans in our hearts, exercising the God-given freedom and wisdom Scripture encourages. Yet the decisive word—the effective response, the final outcome—belongs to the LORD. His sovereign guidance overrules, refines, and empowers our speech, ensuring His purposes stand. Plan with diligence, speak with dependence, and trust that God governs both process and result.