Proverbs 19:21

21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21 Meaning and Commentary

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 brought up in; and by a mere outward profession of religion, and submission to ordinances, and performance of duties, and a multitude more of the like kind; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand;
and can never be frustrated by the devices of man's heart, though there are many, and that but one; see ( Psalms 33:10 Psalms 33:11 ) ( Isaiah 46:10 ) . This may be applied to the Gospel, and the scheme of salvation in it, called the whole counsel of God, ( Acts 20:27 ) ; it being the fruit of infinite wisdom, and the effect of a divine council between the eternal Three, and full of the best advice and instructions to the sons of men; and which has stood, and shall stand, notwithstanding the persecutions of wicked men, the craft of false teachers, and the ridicule of a profane world; it will continue till all the elect are gathered in, even, to the end of the world; and so will the ordinances of it, which are also called the counsel of God, ( Luke 7:30 ) ; and which will continue till the second coming of Christ. Moreover, the purposes of God, his counsels of old, or his eternal decrees, may be here meant; which are wisely formed in his own breast, and are not frustrable; and according to which counsel of his will all things are done in nature, providence, and grace; all things in this world are ordered as he pleases, and all things are done as he has ordered them; all his purposes are or will be fulfilled; his designs will be accomplished in the world and in his church, in spite of all the schemes, contrivances, and opposition of men and devils.

Proverbs 19:21 In-Context

19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.

21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.