Proverbs 16:9

9 A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.

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 a man's ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

9 A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.

10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. His shall not betray his mouth.

11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; All the weights in the bag are his work.