What other scriptures affirm God's ability to thwart human plans? Setting the scene Job 5:12 sets the tone: “He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success.” Old-Testament echoes of the same truth • 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.” • Proverbs 19:21 — “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Proverbs 16:9 — “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • Proverbs 21:30 — “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.” • Isaiah 8:10 — “Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” • Isaiah 14:24, 27 — “As I have planned, so will it be… The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched—so who can turn it back?” • Daniel 4:35 — “He does as He pleases… No one can restrain His hand or say to Him: ‘What have You done?’” • Lamentations 3:37 — “Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?” • Genesis 11:8-9 — At Babel the LORD confuses language and scatters the builders, bringing their grand project to a halt. New-Testament confirmations • Acts 5:38-39 — “If this plan or undertaking is of men, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.” • Ephesians 1:11 — “Having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.” • James 4:13-15 — Life is a mist, so all scheduling remains “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” • 1 Corinthians 1:19 (citing Isaiah 29:14) — “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Common threads to notice • God’s counsel stands while human counsel collapses. • Pride and self-reliance invite divine opposition; humble submission invites guidance. • The record spans creation, covenant history, exile, and the church age, showing one consistent sovereign hand. Practical takeaway Plans are wise to make, yet only sure when aligned with the Lord’s purpose. Scripture repeatedly shows His absolute right and power to overrule, redirect, or cancel any human agenda, ensuring that His redemptive story moves forward exactly as written. |
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