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Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

<!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 16:9 A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_16_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:9 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." /><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'; 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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.<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 plans, but the LORD determines our steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man&#8217;s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A man&#8217;s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of a person plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The heart of man plans his way, But Yahweh directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A man&#8217;s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps <i>and</i> establishes them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person&#8217;s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man&#8217s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You may make your plans, but God directs your actions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man?s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A person plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A man&#8217;s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of man devises his way, "" And YHWH establishes his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heart of man will purpose his ways, and Jehovah will prepare his steps.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The heart of man disposeth his way: but the Lord must direct his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The heart of man disposes his way. But it is for Lord to direct his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A man's heart devises his ways; but the LORD directs his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The heart of a son of man plans his ways and LORD JEHOVAH orders his steps.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A man's heart deviseth his way; But the LORD directeth his steps.All of the works of the Lord <i>are done</i> with righteousness; and the ungodly <i>man</i> is kept for the evil day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-9.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=3108" 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>&#8230;<span class="reftext">8</span>Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: &#8217;&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#257;m (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">A man&#8217;s</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: l&#234;&#7687; (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/2803.htm" title="2803: y&#601;&#183;&#7717;a&#353;&#183;&#353;&#234;&#7687; (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To think, account. ">plans</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar&#183;k&#333;w (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">his course,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">but the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: y&#257;&#183;&#7733;&#238;n (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">determines</a> <a href="/hebrew/6806.htm" title="6806: &#7779;a&#183;&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#7695;&#333;w (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A step, pace. From tsantarah; a pace or regular step.">his steps.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man&#8217;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 37:23-24</a></span><br />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.<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, &#8220;Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.&#8221; / 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, &#8220;If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.&#8221;<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&#8217;s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9-10</a></span><br />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, &#8216;My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.&#8217;<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="/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="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a></span><br />In Him we were also chosen as God&#8217;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="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a></span><br />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.<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&#8212;to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-13.htm">Job 23:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-10.htm">Matthew 6:10</a></span><br />Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.<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: &#8220;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="/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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1</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/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a></b></br> <i>There are</i> many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Proverbs 20:24</a></b></br> Man's goings <i>are</i> of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/psalms/147-4.htm">Determines</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Deviseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Directeth</a> <a href="/psalms/42-8.htm">Directs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Establisheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Step</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-17.htm">Determines</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Deviseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Directeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Directs</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Establisheth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Step</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Way</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 /> <!-- /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 /> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>A man&#8217;s heart plans his course</b><br>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 <a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a>, 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 <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a>, which describes the heart as deceitful. <p><b>but the LORD determines his steps</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and ultimate control over human affairs. The use of "LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, indicating a personal and relational aspect of His guidance. Throughout Scripture, God's providence is a recurring theme, as seen in <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>, where Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life's events. Theologically, this reflects the belief in divine providence, where God orchestrates events according to His will and purpose. This concept is also echoed in the New Testament, such as in <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>, which assures believers that God works all things for good. The phrase suggests a balance between human responsibility and divine guidance, encouraging trust in God's plan, as seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who submitted to the Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally 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.<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 active role in guiding the lives of His people.<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 contexts.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/plans.htm">Plans</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for plans ("chashav") implies devising or calculating a course of action, reflecting human intention and foresight.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/steps.htm">Steps</a></b><br>The term steps ("tsa'ad") refers to the actual movements or actions taken, which are ultimately directed by God.<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 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_guidance.htm">Trust in God's Guidance</a></b><br>Trusting in the Lord's guidance means surrendering our own understanding and desires, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_planning.htm">The Role of Prayer in Planning</a></b><br>Prayer should be an integral part of our planning process, seeking God's wisdom and direction in all our decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_flexibility_and_faith.htm">Living with Flexibility and Faith</a></b><br>Being flexible in our plans allows us to adapt to God's leading, demonstrating faith in His perfect will and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_control_in_our_lives.htm">Acknowledging God's Control in Our Lives</a></b><br>Recognizing God's control brings peace and assurance, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him.<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/what_defines_a_divine_appointment.htm">What defines a divine appointment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_fatalism_in_philosophy.htm">What defines fatalism as a philosophical concept?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_guides_us_despite_our_plans.htm">Who guides our steps despite our own plans?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_7_13_challenge_free_will.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:13 questions who can straighten what God has made crooked&#8212;does this challenge free will or the efficacy of human efforts through science and medicine?</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>(9) <span class= "bld">A man's heart deviseth his way </span>. . .--"Man proposeth, God disposeth." (See below on <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm" title="Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?">Proverbs 20:24</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps</span> (ver. 1). "Man proposes, God disposes" or, as the Germans say, "Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt" (comp. <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Proverbs 20:24</a>). 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. <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Genesis 24:12</a>, etc.). We all remember Shakespeare's words in 'Hamlet' - <p><span class="accented">"There's a divinity that shapes our ends,<br />Rough-hew them how we will."</span> Septuagint, "Let the heart of man consider what is just, that his steps may be by God directed might" (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-9.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">A man&#8217;s</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1464;&#1453;&#1491;&#1464;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#257;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">heart</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1461;&#1443;&#1489;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#234;&#7687;)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">plans</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1495;&#1463;&#1513;&#1473;&#1468;&#1461;&#1443;&#1489;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#601;&#183;&#7717;a&#353;&#183;&#353;&#234;&#7687;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2803.htm">Strong's 2803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To think, account</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his course,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1491;&#1468;&#1463;&#1512;&#1456;&#1499;&#1468;&#1425;&#1493;&#1465;</span> <span class="translit">(dar&#183;k&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1469;&#1437;&#1497;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1431;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; 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 /><br /><span class="word">determines</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1464;&#1499;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;&#1503;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#257;&#183;&#7733;&#238;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his steps.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1510;&#1463;&#1506;&#1458;&#1491;&#1469;&#1493;&#1465;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7779;a&#183;&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#7695;&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6806.htm">Strong's 6806: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pace, regular step</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his course (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:10" /></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>

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