Proverbs 16:9

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9 in Other Translations

9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

9 We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. It Pays to Take Life Seriously

9 A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.

9 A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps.

9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.

9 In your heart you plan your life. But the LORD decides where your steps will take you.

Proverbs 16:9 Meaning and Commentary

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 Proverbs 6:18 ) ; 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 a man, a good man, whose steps are ordered by the Lord, as follows; see ( Jeremiah 10:23 ) ( Psalms 37:23 ) ; but the Lord directeth his steps:
to go right on, and not turn to the right hand or the left; and to walk safely and surely, through a variety of troubles and difficulties, to his kingdom and glory.

Proverbs 16:9 In-Context

7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

Cross References

• 1. S ver 1; S Job 33:29; S Psalms 90:12; Jeremiah 10:23