Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אָ֭דָם
A man's
H120
אָ֭דָם
A man's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב
deviseth
H2803
יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב
deviseth
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה
but the LORD
H3068
וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה
but the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(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.Psalms 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Proverbs 16:1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.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 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Historical Context
This proverb belongs to Solomon's collection addressing kingship and governance (Proverbs 16:1-33). In the ancient Near East, where human rulers claimed absolute power, this wisdom reminds even kings that Yahweh alone directs history's course.
Questions for Reflection
- How should divine sovereignty affect the way you make plans and set goals?
- Can you identify a time when God redirected your steps in ways you didn't expect? How did that deepen your trust in His providence?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse articulates the Reformed doctrine of divine providence and sovereignty over human agency. While man possesses genuine moral agency to plan ('deviseth' from Hebrew 'chashab'), God exercises ultimate governance over outcomes ('directeth' from 'kun', to establish). This is not fatalism but acknowledgment that God's decree works through human volition. The verse provides comfort: our plans matter, yet God ensures His purposes prevail. It balances human responsibility with divine sovereignty, a tension Scripture maintains throughout (Philippians 2:12-13).