Proverbs 20:24
Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
Original Language Analysis
מֵיְהוָ֥ה
are of the LORD
H3068
מֵיְהוָ֥ה
are of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גָ֑בֶר
Man's
H1397
גָ֑בֶר
Man's
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
וְ֝אָדָ֗ם
how can a man
H120
וְ֝אָדָ֗ם
how can a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
Proverbs 16:9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.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.Psalms 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.Psalms 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Psalms 25:4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.Acts 17:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.Proverbs 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.Daniel 5:23But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
Historical Context
Pagan thought attributed human fortunes to fate, luck, or capricious deities. Biblical wisdom asserts Yahweh's comprehensive providential control, giving both comfort and accountability.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you try to control your own path, or do you trust God's sovereign direction?
- How should recognizing God's control over your steps affect your planning and decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
Human autonomy is an illusion; 'Man's goings are of the LORD.' God sovereignly directs human steps, even when people are unaware. The rhetorical question 'how can a man understand his own way?' emphasizes our inability to comprehend or control our paths. This doesn't eliminate human responsibility but establishes divine sovereignty over all things. We plan, but God determines outcomes (Proverbs 16:9). This should produce both humility (recognizing our limitations) and trust (knowing God guides). The wise person commits his way to the Lord and trusts His direction rather than leaning on personal understanding. God's providence governs all events, working all things for His glory and the good of His elect.