Amplified Bible
Proverbs 16:1
1The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:1 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
- New International Version (NIV)To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
- English Standard Version (ESV)The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Context of Proverbs 16:1
The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. 3Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].
Read all of Proverbs 16Proverbs 16:1 word by word
לְאָדָ֥ם מַֽעַרְכֵי־לֵ֑ב וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה מַעֲנֵ֥ה לָשֽׁוֹן׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 16:1
- Exodus 4:11The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, or the seeing or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
- Jeremiah 1:7But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
- Matthew 10:19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you within that [very] hour;
- Luke 12:11When they bring you before the synagogues and the magistrates and the authorities, do not be worried about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say;
- Luke 21:14So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;
Commentaries on Proverbs 16:1
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1The preparations of the heart in man - The Hebrew is לב מערכי לאדם leadam maarchey leb, which is, literally, "To man are the dispositions of the heart; but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue." Man proposes his wishes; but God answers as he thinks proper. The former is the free offspring of the heart of man; the latter, the free volition of God. Man may think as he pleases, and ask as he lists; but God will give, or not give, as he thinks proper…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1The proverbs in Proverbs 16:1-7 have, more than any other group, an especially religious character impressed upon them. The name of Yahweh as Giver, Guide, Ruler, or Judge, meets us in each of them. Proverbs 16:1 Better, The plans of the heart belong to man, but the utterance of the tongue is from Yahweh. Thoughts come and go, as it were, spontaneously; but true, well ordered speech is the gift of God. Compare Proverbs 16:9.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1Verse 1 The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1Our plans will succeed only if God permits (see also Proverbs 16:9, 33; James 4:13–16).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-33Pr 16:1-33. 1. preparations--schemes. in man--or literally, "to man," belonging, or pertaining to him. the answer ... Lord--The efficient ordering is from God: "Man proposes; God disposes."Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 16:1
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 16
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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