Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
לְאָדָ֥ם
in man
H120
לְאָדָ֥ם
in man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
1 of 6
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
מַֽעַרְכֵי
The preparations
H4633
מַֽעַרְכֵי
The preparations
Strong's:
H4633
Word #:
2 of 6
an arrangement, i.e., (figuratively) mental disposition
לֵ֑ב
of the heart
H3820
לֵ֑ב
of the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 6
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה
is from the LORD
H3068
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה
is from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Proverbs 16:9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Proverbs 20:24Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?Jeremiah 10:23O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Psalms 119:36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.Exodus 4:15And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.Psalms 10:17LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:Ezra 7:27Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom often emphasized careful planning and human control over outcomes. Proverbs acknowledges the value of planning while insisting on God's ultimate sovereignty. This theological distinctiveness separated Israel's wisdom from surrounding cultures' humanistic approaches. The same tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty runs through all Scripture, finding resolution in God's good providence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance careful planning and preparation with trust in God's sovereign control over outcomes?
- Can you recall times when you planned one thing but God directed your words or actions differently, for His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses the relationship between human agency and divine sovereignty: 'The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.' Humans prepare their hearts (ma'arakhei lev)—they plan, deliberate, and form intentions. Yet 'the answer of the tongue' (ma'aneh lashon) comes from the LORD. We may prepare what to say, but God determines what actually comes out and what effect it has. This balances human responsibility with divine providence. We must plan and prepare, yet recognize that God ultimately controls outcomes. This principle appears throughout chapter 16, which emphasizes God's sovereignty over human affairs (vv.2,4,7,9,33).