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Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man's heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man's heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/19-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_19_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 19:21 - The Man of Integrity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Many plans are in a man's heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/19-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/19-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm" title="Proverbs 19:20">◄</a> Proverbs 19:21 <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm" title="Proverbs 19:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>There are</i> many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the LORD will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Many are the plans in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Many thoughts are in a man’s heart, But it is the counsel of Yahweh that will stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the LORD’s decree will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s decree will prevail. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There are many devices in a man's heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We may make a lot of plans, but the LORD will do what he has decided. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There are many devices in a man's heart; but the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Many plans are in the human heart, but the advice of the LORD will endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />People may plan all kinds of things, but the LORD's will is going to be done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Many plans occupy the mind of a man, but the LORD's purposes will prevail. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />There are many plans in a person's mind, but it is the counsel of the LORD which will stand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There are many plans in a man's heart, but the LORD's counsel will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The purposes in a man’s heart [are] many, "" And the counsel of YHWH—it stands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Many are the purposes in a man's heart, And the counsel of Jehovah it standeth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Many purposes in a man's heart: and the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the will of the Lord shall stand firm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the LORD that endures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD shall stand firm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Many are the thoughts in the heart of a man, and the counsel of LORD JEHOVAH will be confirmed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There are many devices in a man's heart; But the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>There are</i> many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/19-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3856" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">The Man of Integrity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">Many</a> <a href="/hebrew/4284.htm" title="4284: ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Thought, device. Or machashebeth; from chashab; a contrivance, i.e. a texture, machine, or intention, plan.">plans</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">are in a man’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: bə·leḇ- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: wa·‘ă·ṣaṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">but the purpose</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: ṯā·qūm (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">will prevail.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a></span><br />For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-2.htm">Job 42:2</a></span><br />“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10-11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-24.htm">Isaiah 14:24</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />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?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3</a></span><br />Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38-39</a></span><br />So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">Lamentations 3:37</a></span><br />Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.</p><p class="hdg">many</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Proverbs 12:2</a></b></br> A good <i>man</i> obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-19.htm">Genesis 37:19,20</a></b></br> And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/9-25.htm">Esther 9:25</a></b></br> But when <i>Esther</i> came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.</p><p class="hdg">nevertheless</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1,9</a></b></br> The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, <i>is</i> from the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1,30</a></b></br> The king's heart <i>is</i> in the hand of the LORD, <i>as</i> the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-8</a></b></br> And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I <i>am</i> Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Devices</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-20.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/psalms/65-3.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Prevails</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/138-2.htm">Unchanging</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-8.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-32.htm">Devices</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Prevail</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Prevails</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-4.htm">Unchanging</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Life and Conduct</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/19.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Many plans</b><br />The Hebrew word for "plans" is "מַחֲשָׁבוֹת" (machashavot), which can also mean thoughts, intentions, or designs. This word suggests the multitude of ideas and strategies that humans devise in their minds. Historically, this reflects the human tendency to strategize and plan for the future, a practice evident in ancient cultures through their writings and artifacts. In a spiritual context, it acknowledges the God-given ability to think and plan, yet it also hints at the limitations of human foresight.<p><b>are in a man’s heart</b><br />The "heart" in Hebrew is "לֵב" (lev), which in biblical terms often refers to the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This phrase indicates that the plans and intentions originate from the deepest part of a person, reflecting their desires and ambitions. In ancient Israel, the heart was seen as the seat of decision-making, emphasizing the personal nature of planning and the internal struggle between human desires and divine will.<p><b>but the purpose of the LORD</b><br />The word "purpose" is translated from the Hebrew "עֵצָה" (etsah), meaning counsel, advice, or plan. This term signifies a deliberate and sovereign intention. The "LORD" here is "יְהוָה" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal and relational nature. This phrase underscores the contrast between human plans and divine purpose, suggesting that God's counsel is not only superior but also ultimately determinative.<p><b>will prevail</b><br />The Hebrew verb "תָּקוּם" (takum) means to stand, arise, or endure. This conveys the idea of God's purpose being established and coming to fruition despite human intentions. Historically, this reflects the biblical narrative where God's plans consistently unfold through history, regardless of human actions. It reassures believers of the certainty and reliability of God's will, encouraging trust in His divine sovereignty.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">There are many devices (or, <span class= "ital">thoughts</span>) in a man's heart.</span>--"He disquieteth himself in vain" (<a href="/psalms/39-6.htm" title="Surely every man walks in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them.">Psalm 39:6</a>), endeavouring to carry out his various plans in life, while the one unchangeable "counsel of the Lord," <span class= "ital">that </span>shall stand--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>abide in all its fulness. (Comp, <a href="/context/isaiah/46-10.htm" title="Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:">Isaiah 46:10-11</a>; <a href="/psalms/33-11.htm" title="The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.">Psalm 33:11</a>; <a href="/job/23-13.htm" title="But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desires, even that he does.">Job 23:13</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - The immutability of the counsel of God is contrasted with the shifting, fluctuating purposes of man (comp. <a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1, 9</a>; <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a>). Aben Ezra connects this verse with the preceding, as though it gave the reason for the advice contained therein. But it is most natural to take the maxim in a general sense, as above Wisd. 9:14, "The thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but uncertain." <span class="cmt_word">The counsel of the Lord, that shall stand</span>; <span class="accented">permanebit</span>, Vulgate; <span class="greek">εἰς τὸν</span> <span class="greek">αἰῶνα μενε1FC0;ι</span>, "shall abide forever," Septuagint (<a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/19-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">plans</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4284.htm">Strong's 4284: </a> </span><span class="str2">A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are in a man’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֑ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heart,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּלֶב־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·leḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the purpose</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲצַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·ṣaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֣יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will prevail.</span><br /><span class="heb">תָקֽוּם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯā·qūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:21 There are many plans in a man's (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 19:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 19:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>