CINXE.COM

<!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 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_16_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:1 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/16-1.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/16-1.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/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 1</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/15-33.htm" title="Proverbs 15:33">◄</a> Proverbs 16:1 <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm" title="Proverbs 16:2">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.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/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, <i>is</i> from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The preparations of the heart <i>belong</i> to man, But the answer of the tongue <i>is</i> from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to a person, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The plans <i>and</i> reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The reflections of the heart belong to mankind, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The preparations of the heart belong to man: but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to humans, but an answer on the tongue comes from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We may make our plans, but God has the last word. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />People do the planning, but the end result is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, are from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Arrangements of the heart [are] of man, "" An answer of the tongue from YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Of man are arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To man the dispositions of the heart, and the answer of the tongue from Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is the part of man to prepare the soul: and of the Lord to govern the tongue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It is for man to prepare the soul, and for the Lord to govern the tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Plans are made in human hearts, but from the LORD comes the tongue’s response. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE reasoning of the mind is from man; but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />From a son of man is the thought of the heart and the speech of the tongue is from LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The preparations of the heart are man's, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3046" 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/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4633.htm" title="4633: ma·‘ar·ḵê- (N-mpc) -- An arrangement. From arak; an arrangement, i.e. mental disposition.">The plans</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- 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.">of the heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: lə·’ā·ḏām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">belong to man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4617.htm" title="4617: ma·‘ă·nêh (N-msc) -- An answer, response. From anah; a reply.">but the reply</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lā·šō·wn (N-cs) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">of the tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">is from the LORD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.…<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="/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="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.<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.<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="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</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="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a></span><br />For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.<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="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">1 Corinthians 2:11</a></span><br />For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.<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="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a></span><br />‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/33-14.htm">Job 33:14-17</a></span><br />For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. / In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a></span><br />Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-11.htm">Exodus 4:11,12,15</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7-9</a></b></br> But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I <i>am</i> a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19,20</a></b></br> But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/40-4.htm">Arrangements</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/esther/2-12.htm">Preparations</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/42-11.htm">Arrangements</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/matthew/26-17.htm">Preparations</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The plans of the heart belong to man</b><br>This phrase highlights human agency and the ability to make decisions and formulate intentions. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). The Bible acknowledges that humans have the capacity to plan and desire, as seen in <a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Genesis 11:4</a> with the Tower of Babel, where people devised a plan to make a name for themselves. However, this ability is not absolute, as human plans are subject to divine oversight and intervention. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed significant value on wisdom and discernment, often seeking guidance from God to align personal plans with divine will.<p><b>but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty over human speech and outcomes. While humans can devise plans, the ultimate outcome and the words that come forth are under God's control. This reflects the biblical theme of divine providence, where God directs the course of events according to His purposes (<a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>). The phrase can be connected to the story of Balaam in <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Numbers 22-24</a>, where despite his intentions, the words he spoke were directed by God. It also resonates with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a>, which advises believers to acknowledge God's will in their plans. This underscores the belief that while humans can plan, it is God who determines the final outcome, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often explore themes of wisdom, human behavior, and the fear of the Lord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>- The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of humanity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart.htm">The Heart</a></b><br>- 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 Western culture.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tongue.htm">The Tongue</a></b><br>- Represents speech and communication, often seen as a powerful tool that can reflect one's inner thoughts and intentions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature played a significant role in teaching moral and ethical behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/human_planning_vs._divine_sovereignty.htm">Human Planning vs. Divine Sovereignty</a></b><br>While humans are free to make plans, it is ultimately God who determines the outcome. This teaches humility and reliance on God in all our endeavors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_heart_and_speech.htm">The Role of the Heart and Speech</a></b><br>Our plans originate in the heart, but it is God who guides our speech. This underscores the importance of aligning our inner desires with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_wisdom.htm">Trust in God's Wisdom</a></b><br>Trusting that God knows what is best for us can bring peace, even when our plans do not unfold as expected. This encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in decision-making.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayerful_planning.htm">Prayerful Planning</a></b><br>Integrating prayer into our planning process invites God's guidance and aligns our desires with His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_control.htm">Acknowledging God's Control</a></b><br>Recognizing that God has the final say in our lives fosters a spirit of submission and gratitude, knowing that His plans are for our good.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_wrote_the_book_of_judges.htm">What defines a divine appointment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_bible_truth.htm">What does the Bible say about tomorrow's events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_direct_cruel_rulers'_hearts.htm">Proverbs 21:1: How can a king's heart be completely directed by God if history is full of cruel rulers who appear to have acted against any divine morality?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_allow_shimei_to_curse_david.htm">(2 Samuel 16:5-8) How could God supposedly endorse Shimei's hostile cursing of David if God is just and fair?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">XVI.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">The preparations of the heart in man . . .</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">To man belong the counsels of the heart. </span>He may turn over in his mind what is the right thing to be said on any occasion, "but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue." (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm" title="A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!">Proverbs 15:23</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-7.</span> - These are specially religions maxims, and they all contain the name Jehovah. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - The Authorized Version makes one sentence of this verse without any contrast or antithesis. This is plainly wrong, there being intended a contrast between the thought of the heart and the well ordered speech. It is better translated, <span class="accented">The plans of the heart are man's</span>: <span class="accented">but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.</span> Men make plans, arrange speeches, muster arguments, in the mind; but to put these into proper, persuasive words is a gift of God. "Our sufficiency is of God" (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a>). In the case of Balaam, God overruled the wishes and intentions of the prophet, and constrained him to give utterance to something very different from his original mental conceptions. But the present sentence attributes the outward expression of what the mind has conceived in every case unto the help of God (comp. vers. 9, 33; <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23</a>). Christ enjoined his disciples to trust to momentary inspiration in their apologies or defences before unbelievers (<a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19</a>). This verse is omitted in the Septuagint. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-1.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">The plans</span><br /><span class="heb">מַֽעַרְכֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ar·ḵê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4633.htm">Strong's 4633: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrangement, mental disposition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<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">belong to man,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָדָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the reply</span><br /><span class="heb">מַעֲנֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ă·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4617.htm">Strong's 4617: </a> </span><span class="str2">An answer, response</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">לָשֽׁוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] from the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:2" /></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>