Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
NIV · New International Version
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
WEB · World English Bible
There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.
What does Proverbs 19:21 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man's heart,.... Some about civil things; to get wealth and riches: to obtain honour and glory among men; to attain to a long life, and to perpetuate their memories after death: some about sinful things; to gratify their carnal lusts and sensual appetites; and to do mischief to others, particularly the people of God, and the cause and interest of Christ: some about religious things; coming new doctrines, devising new ordinances and modes of worship; contriving other methods of salvation than by Christ; as by the light of nature; by the law of Moses; by mere morality, civility, and external justice between man and man; by keeping to the religion they were born and…
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 19:21
Here we have, 1. Men projecting. They keep their designs to themselves, but they cannot hide them from God; he knows the many devices that are in men's hearts, - devices against his counsels (as those, Psa 2:1-3; Mic 4:11), - devices without his counsel (no regard had to his providence, as those Jam 4:13, this and the other they will do, and not take God along with them), - devices unlike God's counsels; men are wavering in their devices, and often absurd and unjust, but God's counsels are wise and holy, steady and uniform. 2. God overruling.
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 19:18–24 (WEB)
18Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death. 19A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again. 20Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. 21There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail. 22That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. 23The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble. 24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Cross references
- Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
- Isaiah 14:24
The LORD of Armies has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so shall it happen; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
- Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
- Psalms 33:10–11
- 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.
- Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
- Ephesians 1:11
We were also assigned an inheritance in him, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will,
- Job 23:13
But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.