Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Original Language Analysis
רַבּ֣וֹת
There are many
H7227
רַבּ֣וֹת
There are many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת
devices
H4284
מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת
devices
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
2 of 8
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
בְּלֶב
heart
H3820
בְּלֶב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אִ֑ישׁ
in a man's
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
in a man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וַעֲצַ֥ת
nevertheless the counsel
H6098
וַעֲצַ֥ת
nevertheless the counsel
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
5 of 8
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 16:9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.Isaiah 14:24The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:Proverbs 16:1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from 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:Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Job 23:13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Ecclesiastes 7:29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.Daniel 4:35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Historical Context
Solomon's reign demonstrated this truth—his great wisdom came from God (1 Kings 3), and his building projects succeeded because they aligned with God's purposes. Later kings who pursued their own devices apart from God's counsel brought ruin on Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern whether your plans align with 'the counsel of the LORD'?
- What does it mean practically to hold your plans loosely while trusting God's sovereign purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Human plans and devices (Hebrew 'machashavot'—thoughts, purposes) are many and diverse, but only God's counsel will ultimately 'stand' (Hebrew 'qum'—rise, be established). This proverb teaches God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs while acknowledging that people do make plans. The wise person aligns his plans with God's revealed will rather than pursuing autonomous schemes.