Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:9 in Multiple Translations
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
A man may make designs for his way, but the Lord is the guide of his steps.
You can plan in your mind what to do, but the Lord will guide you.
The heart of man purposeth his way: but the Lord doeth direct his steppes.
The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
The heart of man disposeth his way: but the Lord must direct his steps.
People plan what they want to do, but Yahweh directs/determines what they will really be able to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ב
אָ֭דָם
יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
וַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
יָכִ֥ין
צַעֲדֽ/וֹ
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
יָכִ֥ין
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
צַעֲדֽ/וֹ
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:9
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וַֽ֝/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יָכִ֥ין
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
צַעֲדֽ/וֹ
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:9
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice. 11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:21 | Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:23 | The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:1 | The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:24 | A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? |
| 5 | Jeremiah 10:23 | I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:10 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ |
Proverbs 16:9 Summary
[This verse means that even though we make plans for our lives, God is the one who ultimately decides what will happen. It's like when we plan a trip, but then something unexpected comes up and we have to change our plans - God can do that with our lives too, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. We can trust that He has good plans for us, even when things don't go as we expected, and that He will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse mean that our plans are useless since God determines our steps?
No, it means that while we make plans, God is ultimately in control and can change our course, as seen in Psalm 37:23, where it says that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the LORD.
How can I know if my plans are pleasing to God?
To know if our plans are pleasing to God, we must seek His will through prayer and reading His word, as instructed in Proverbs 3:6, which says to acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will make our paths straight.
Is this verse saying that we have no free will?
This verse is not saying that we have no free will, but rather that our free will is under God's sovereignty, as seen in Philippians 2:13, where it says that God works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose.
How can I apply this verse to my daily life?
We can apply this verse by seeking God's guidance in our decision-making, as seen in James 1:5, which says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to control the outcome, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I balance making plans for my future with trusting in God's sovereignty?
- What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance in my decision-making, and how can I be sure that I am hearing His voice?
- How can I trust God when my plans seem to be failing, and how can I see His hand in the midst of uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on 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; for such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
Deviseth his way; considers and proposeth to himself what he will do. Directeth his steps; overruleth and disposeth all their designs and actions as he pleaseth, and not as they list.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:9 A man’ s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Ver. 9. A man’ s heart deviseth his way, but God directeth his steps.] Man purposeth, God disposeth of all. Events many times cross expectation, "neither is it in man to order his own ways." This the heathen saw, and were much troubled at, as were the Athenians when their good General Nicias lost himself and his army in Sicily. So the Romans when Pompey, Cato, and others, worthy patriots, were worsted by Julius Caesar. Brutus, a wise and valiant man overthrown by Antony, cries out, ωπλημωναρετη, &c., O miserable virtue, thou art a mere slave to fortune! Christians have learned better language, and can set down themselves with sounder reason if crossed of their designs or desires. They know "it is the Lord"; they are "dumb, because it is his doing," and they are "punished less than their deserts." Pompey, that seeing all to go on Caesar’ s side, said there was a great deal of mist over the eye of Providence, did no better than blame the sun, because of his sore eyes. Aνδραορωντεςθεοφιληουδενοςεπιεικεστερατυχηχρηθαιτωνκακιστων. - Thucyd. Dio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
(9) A man’s heart deviseth his way . . .—“Man proposeth, God disposeth.” (See below on Proverbs 20:24.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
Verse 9. A man's heart deviseth his way] This is precisely the same sentiment as that contained in the first verse, on the true meaning of which so much has been already said.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:9
9. Comp. Proverbs 16:1 of this chapter.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:9
Deviseth his way - i. e., Thinks it out with anxious care; yet it is the Lord and He only who directs the steps. Compare Proverbs 16:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
9. Directeth — Or, makes firm, sure. This proverb contains substantially the same sentiments as Proverbs 16:1, which see. Compare Proverbs 20:24; Psalms 37:23; Jeremiah 10:23.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1 by Keith Green | In 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 |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 4 by Keith Green | In 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 consta |
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(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper | In 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 con |
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Automobile Evangelism by William Booth | This 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, |
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The Light We Need by Jim Cymbala | In 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 |
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Digestive System by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In 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 mea |
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Lead Me, Lord by Jim Cymbala | In 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 gr |