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Proverbs 16:9
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
9 The heart of man deviseth his way; But Jahve directeth his steps. Similar to this is the German proverb: "Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt" [= our "man proposes, God disposes"], and the Arabic el-‛abd (העבד = man) judebbir wallah juḳaddir; Latin, homo proponit, Deus disponit; for, as Hitzig rightly remarks, 9b means, not that God maketh his steps firm (Venet., Luther, Umbreit, Bertheau, Elster), but that He gives direction to him (Jerome, dirigere). Man deliberates here and there (חשּׁב, intens. of חשׁב, to calculate, reflect) how he will begin and carry on this or that; but his short-sightedness leaves much out of view which God sees; his calculation does not comprehend many contingencies which God disposes of and man cannot foresee. The result and issue are thus of God, and the best is, that in all his deliberations one should give himself up without self-confidence and arrogance to the guidance of God, that one should do his duty and leave the rest, with humility and confidence, to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 16:3). directeth--establisheth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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, Pro 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 a man, a good man, whose steps are ordered by the Lord, as follows; see Jer 10:23; 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.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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. If men devise their way, so as to make God's glory their end and his will their rule, they may expect that he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace, so that they shall not miss their way nor come short of their end. But let men devise their worldly affairs ever so politely, and with ever so great a probability of success, yet God has the ordering of the event, and sometimes directs their steps to that which they least intended. The design of this is to teach us to say, If the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that (Jam 4:14, Jam 4:15), and to have our eye to God, not only in the great turns of our lives, but in every step we take. Lord, direct my way, Th1 3:11.
Proverbs 16:9
The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1
By Keith Green15K44:14PSA 37:4PRO 3:5PRO 16:3PRO 16:9JER 29:11MAT 7:7ROM 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the journey of faith. They encourage listeners to seek solutions and growth in their spiritual lives, rather than simply relying on external factors. The speaker also addresses the need for a welcoming and inclusive environment for those who may not have a strong religious background. They emphasize the importance of personal growth and choosing a path that aligns with one's dreams and aspirations. The sermon concludes with a reminder to continually learn and grow in one's faith.
Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 4
By Keith Green7.8K09:51GEN 41:32JOB 14:7PRO 16:9MAT 6:33LUK 12:34ROM 8:281CO 2:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of money and the potential loss that can occur if we don't take breaks. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and not constantly working, as it can lead to a loss of money. The speaker also mentions a conversation with someone named John, where John expresses his dislike for the speaker. The speaker reflects on the need to understand how others feel about us. The sermon concludes with gratitude and a reminder to go deep in our recovery and trust in God during times of transition.
(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills
By John Piper3.7K36:02PSA 37:5PSA 90:12PRO 3:5PRO 16:9PRO 27:1ECC 3:1ISA 55:8MAT 6:33ROM 12:2JAS 4:13In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without considering God's will and the brevity of life. James is upset with those who make plans without acknowledging the truth that life is like a vapor, here for a little while and then gone. Pastor Piper emphasizes the need to have a Christian worldview and to always include God's will in our plans, recognizing that our lives are in His hands.
Automobile Evangelism
By William Booth2.8K02:25JOS 1:9PSA 31:24PRO 16:91CO 16:13PHP 4:132TI 1:7This sermon reflects on the inspiring courage and determination of William Booth, a 75-year-old man who embraced innovative methods like using a motor car for campaigning in 1904, covering 1250 miles despite the challenges of primitive cars. Despite some disapproval, Booth's adoption of modern technology at an advanced age garnered worldwide sympathy and approval, drawing large crowds to hear his message of love and humanity. His work, marked by genuine inspiration, led to widespread recognition and established motor car campaigning as one of his successful methods despite occasional mishaps.
The Light We Need
By Jim Cymbala2.0K29:39LightPRO 3:5PRO 16:9MAT 6:33JHN 8:12JHN 14:6ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Jesus and trusting in Him to avoid walking in darkness. He relates a personal story from his senior year in high school, where he and his team practiced basketball drills in a gymnasium. The speaker then connects this experience to the concept of light in our lives. He explains that God has a plan for each person and that we find true happiness when we discover and fulfill that plan. The speaker encourages the audience to seek God's guidance in all areas of life, both moral and non-moral decisions, as God will show us the right path to take. He also invites those who have questions or have not yet accepted Christ to come forward and seek the light that Jesus offers. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of following Jesus, trusting in His plan, and walking in His light.
Digestive System
By Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith1.9K57:01EvolutionGEN 1:1PSA 16:11PSA 139:14PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 2:10In this sermon, the speaker continues to discuss the evidence for the existence of God in biology. He criticizes the Darwinian theory and argues that randomness is the enemy of meaning. The speaker highlights the intricate processes in the human body, such as the conversion of food into energy and the functioning of the nervous system, as evidence of a purposeful design. He emphasizes the importance of Christians understanding the details of these processes in order to defend their faith.
Lead Me, Lord
By Jim Cymbala1.4K27:26GuidancePSA 32:8PSA 37:4PRO 3:5PRO 16:9MAT 7:7JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in every decision we make. He uses the example of how he carefully watches over his four-year-old grandson, making sure he eats the right things and goes to the right places. Similarly, God is intimately involved in our lives and wants us to seek His guidance in all aspects. The speaker encourages the audience to pray and ask God for His plan and direction before making any decisions, big or small. He concludes by praying for the congregation to be led by the Holy Spirit and to make decisions in alignment with God's will.
First Step in Considering Missionary Service
By Tom Wilson1.4K1:02:05Missionary ServicePSA 119:11PRO 4:23PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 9:52CO 8:5JAS 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the one who leads and directs our plans. He discusses the call of God and how it may not always be a dramatic, audible experience, but rather a guiding and leading from the Lord. The speaker also highlights the significance of personal inventory evaluation and practical advice for potential missionaries. The sermon concludes with the mention of a book on global strategy and the importance of learning languages for effective missionary work.
Let God Fulfill the Vision
By George Warnock1.4K22:42VisionPSA 27:4PRO 16:9MAT 16:24JHN 14:15PHP 2:92TI 2:21HEB 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying down one's own vision and allowing God to work it out in His own way and time. He urges the audience to focus on the job that God is after, which is preparing a holy bride for His son. The preacher shares the story of Joseph and how God used him to interpret dreams and ultimately save Egypt and surrounding nations from famine. He highlights the need for individuals to seek God's vision and not try to fulfill their own plans, as God's ways are higher and His timing is perfect.
Seven Reasons Why You Should Go - Part 4
By George Verwer1.1K05:14PSA 32:8PRO 3:5PRO 16:9PRO 19:21ISA 6:8MAT 4:19ACT 16:6EPH 2:10JAS 4:13This sermon emphasizes the joy and fulfillment found in missionary work, debunking the idea of it being a form of purgatory for past mistakes. It encourages listeners to embrace the experiences, both challenging and rewarding, that come with serving God. The message highlights the importance of taking steps of faith and being open to God's guidance in pursuing missions, knowing that God can easily redirect our paths for His purposes.
New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 7
By Zac Poonen1.0K04:24PRO 3:5PRO 11:13PRO 16:9ISA 30:21MAT 1:19MAT 2:12MAT 2:19ROM 8:14This sermon focuses on the theme of righteousness as seen in the story of Joseph in Matthew chapters 1 and 2. It emphasizes the importance of not hastily judging or speaking evil about others, highlighting Joseph's righteous decision to protect Mary's reputation despite his initial misunderstanding. The sermon also discusses the supernatural guidance of God in Joseph's life and the wise men's journey, emphasizing the need for believers to listen and obey God's leading for the protection and building of the body of Christ.
Why Sit Here Until We Die?
By Michael L. Brown9751:26:46PRO 16:9MAT 22:37MAT 28:191CO 1:27EPH 6:10REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences of preaching and teaching the word of God. He shares how he often feels inadequate and unsure of his knowledge, but is encouraged by the positive feedback he receives. The speaker then delves into the story of Joshua and Caleb from the book of Joshua, emphasizing their courage and faith in the face of giants. He also discusses the story of the Israelites escaping from the Egyptians, highlighting the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble. The sermon concludes with a reminder to continually seek wisdom and strive for spiritual growth, avoiding stagnation in our relationship with God.
009 God Guides the Faithful
By David Servant97207:43PSA 32:8PRO 3:5PRO 16:9EPH 2:10JAS 1:5This sermon delves into the topic of God's guidance using the story of Joseph in Matthew chapter 2 as an example. It emphasizes the importance of obeying God's general commandments before seeking specific guidance, highlighting the principle that God first gives general guidance even in specific situations. The sermon encourages faithfulness and obedience in small things as a pathway to discovering and walking in God's specific will for each individual's life.
The Attributes of God - Part 3
By William MacDonald96336:38Attributes of GodPSA 115:4PRO 16:9ISA 46:9MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 1:3EPH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of God and our accountability to Him. He argues that if evolution were true and there was no God, there would be no moral accountability and chaos would prevail. The speaker quotes Daniel Webster, who believed that his accountability to God was the greatest thought he ever had. The sermon also highlights the connection between belief and behavior, emphasizing the need to have correct doctrine and align our lives with it. The speaker concludes by stating that we become like what we worship, and encourages worshiping the true God, Jesus Christ.
Book of Acts Series - Part 40 | the Plan
By Jim Cymbala94237:19Book Of ActsEXO 25:9PSA 40:5PRO 16:9JER 29:11MAT 6:33EPH 6:10PHP 3:12In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of having a plan in various aspects of life. He highlights how society operates with plans in businesses, universities, and even personal goals. However, he also emphasizes that God has plans for our lives and wants us to be active participants in His plan. The pastor encourages the congregation to make plans according to God's plan and to be co-laborers with Christ. He also emphasizes the need for discipline and a plan to study the Bible and grow closer to God.
How to Find Gods Will - Part 1
By Bakht Singh89459:08Will Of GodPSA 37:4PRO 3:5PRO 16:9JER 29:11MAT 7:7ROM 12:2EPH 5:17This cassette contains a sermon delivered by Brother Buxing during the 1965 All-In-The-Holy Convocations in Hyderabad. The sermon focuses on how to find God's will. The message was translated into Telugu by Brother Svandarao and into Hindi by Brother Jean-Paul. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and understanding God's will in our lives.
God Is My Strength and Power - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel89128:30DEU 10:12PSA 37:23PRO 16:9MAT 22:37GAL 5:13EPH 2:10PHP 4:131PE 5:71JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord, walking in His ways, loving Him, and serving Him wholeheartedly. It highlights the transformation that occurs when individuals surrender their will to God, allowing Him to guide their paths and actions with love and service. The message encourages a life of faith, love, and service, reflecting Christ's love and overcoming challenges through God's strength.
Prayer and the Future
By Ian Murray86051:09PSA 32:8PRO 16:9ISA 45:11JER 29:11MAT 6:34ROM 8:28EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's will. He references the story of Elijah and the drought, highlighting how Elijah fervently prayed for rain and sent his servant to check for any signs of God's fulfillment. Eventually, after the seventh time, a small cloud appears, indicating that God is about to end the drought. The preacher also mentions the parable of the man in bed at midnight, emphasizing the need for persistence in prayer. Additionally, he refers to the vision given to Nebuchadnezzar, where Daniel interprets the dream and reveals that Nebuchadnezzar represents the head of gold in the image. The sermon encourages believers to seek God's guidance for the future and trust in His plans.
20 - a Trip to North Korea
By Ben Torrey81908:45North KoreaPSA 23:1PRO 16:9MAT 5:16MAT 28:19ROM 12:10GAL 6:9JAS 1:27In this video, the speaker shares his recent trip to North Korea and his observations of the country's landscape and people. He describes how the once beautiful hills are now covered with buildings and concrete. The speaker also mentions seeing people preparing fields for planting and using oxen and tractors for farming. Despite not being able to interact with the locals, the speaker believes that their friendliness and the presence of a cross on one of their vehicles conveyed a sense of friendliness as Americans and Christians. The speaker also highlights meeting the director of a remote rest home, whom he considers a hero.
24 - God's Provision for the Three C's School
By Ben Torrey75507:39God's ProvisionPSA 37:4PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ROM 8:28PHP 4:19JAS 1:171PE 5:7In this sermon, Ben Torrey shares the story of God's provision for the Three Seas Center. He explains how God provided the land for the Three Seas Ranch at the perfect timing. Ben and his team have been working on the project, seeking partners, conducting surveys, and finalizing plans. Despite initial doubts from high positions, their detailed plan was approved a year ago. Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the area and expresses confidence in God's continued provision for the project.
Obeying the Authority
By Chuck Smith75425:04AuthorityEXO 34:6PSA 103:8PRO 16:9ECC 8:11MAT 6:33ROM 12:12PE 3:9In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the nature and character of God. He emphasizes that God is patient and long-suffering, even when dealing with the sinful nature of humanity. Pastor Chuck uses the example of a parent's patience with a young child to illustrate God's patience with us. He also mentions that while nature can reveal certain aspects of God's character, it is difficult to fully understand God through nature alone. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to recognize and appreciate God's patience and to seek a deeper understanding of Him through His word.
Onto Jerusalem
By Steve Gallagher65752:10PSA 37:23PRO 16:9JER 29:11ACT 21:14ACT 22:14ROM 8:281CO 9:22JAS 4:15This sermon delves into the events in Acts 21 and 22, focusing on Paul's journey to Jerusalem, the tensions between Jews and Gentiles, and the unfolding of God's will in Paul's life despite challenges and misunderstandings. It highlights the importance of staying in God's will and the profound impact of being in His presence.
Spiritual Balance in World Missions
By George Verwer6191:08:09PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 12:22CO 2:111TH 5:171TI 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in spreading the word of God. While mass media and other methods can be effective, they should not replace the personal connection between individuals. The speaker also discusses the balance between social work and evangelism, highlighting the need to reach out to others while staying true to biblical teachings. Additionally, the sermon touches on various tangents that can distract young believers from a Bible-based Christianity, such as the ego trip of success and the debate between teams and the local church.
Leadership Manual
By George Verwer61650:08PRO 16:9PRO 17:23PRO 27:2MAT 6:33EPH 4:111TI 3:12TI 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker also discusses the concept of redeeming time and identifies three main areas where time can be redeemed. They mention the significance of forming others and sharing a vision, particularly for a lost world. The sermon concludes with a mention of the leadership manual and the need for studying and understanding its content.
(Clip) Are You Proud God Moment by Moment Upholds You
By Charles Leiter61603:37PSA 139:16PRO 16:9PRO 27:11CO 4:7JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the profound impact of God's providence on our lives, highlighting the fragility of our existence and the need for humility in recognizing that everything we have and are is sustained by God's merciful providence. Various examples are given to illustrate how quickly circumstances can change and how easily we can lose what we take for granted. The message urges listeners to acknowledge the grace that has brought them to where they are and to guard against pride, as every aspect of our lives is upheld by God's providence.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
9 The heart of man deviseth his way; But Jahve directeth his steps. Similar to this is the German proverb: "Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt" [= our "man proposes, God disposes"], and the Arabic el-‛abd (העבד = man) judebbir wallah juḳaddir; Latin, homo proponit, Deus disponit; for, as Hitzig rightly remarks, 9b means, not that God maketh his steps firm (Venet., Luther, Umbreit, Bertheau, Elster), but that He gives direction to him (Jerome, dirigere). Man deliberates here and there (חשּׁב, intens. of חשׁב, to calculate, reflect) how he will begin and carry on this or that; but his short-sightedness leaves much out of view which God sees; his calculation does not comprehend many contingencies which God disposes of and man cannot foresee. The result and issue are thus of God, and the best is, that in all his deliberations one should give himself up without self-confidence and arrogance to the guidance of God, that one should do his duty and leave the rest, with humility and confidence, to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 16:3). directeth--establisheth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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, Pro 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 a man, a good man, whose steps are ordered by the Lord, as follows; see Jer 10:23; 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.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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. If men devise their way, so as to make God's glory their end and his will their rule, they may expect that he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace, so that they shall not miss their way nor come short of their end. But let men devise their worldly affairs ever so politely, and with ever so great a probability of success, yet God has the ordering of the event, and sometimes directs their steps to that which they least intended. The design of this is to teach us to say, If the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that (Jam 4:14, Jam 4:15), and to have our eye to God, not only in the great turns of our lives, but in every step we take. Lord, direct my way, Th1 3:11.