Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
NIV · New International Version
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
WEB · World English Bible
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
What does Proverbs 16:9 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way,.... This is to be understood, not of a wicked man, in whose heart is frowardness, and who devises mischief and evil imaginations continually, Proverbs 6:14; for such are an abomination to the Lord; nor will he direct their goings, or prosper and succeed them in their ways: but of a good man, or righteous man, as Aben Ezra; who thinks of the way in which he should go, and desires to walk in a right way, as Jarchi; and who is influenced by the Spirit and grace of God to think and act in this manner; for otherwise the way of man is not in himself; it is not of his own devising and finding out; nor is his disposition to walk in it of himself; and it is only such…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 16:9
Man is here represented to us, 1. As a reasonable creature, that has the faculty of contriving for himself: His heart devises his way, designs an end, and projects ways and means leading to that end, which the inferior creatures, who are governed by sense and natural instinct, cannot do. The more shame for him if he do not devise the way how to please God and provide for his everlasting state. 2. But as a depending creature, that is subject to the direction and dominion of his Maker.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 16:6–12 (WEB)
6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. 7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. 10Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. 11Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. 12It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
Cross references
- Proverbs 19:21
There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.
- Psalms 37:23
- Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
- Proverbs 20:24
A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?
- Jeremiah 10:23
LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
- Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
- Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.