Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16:9 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
• New International Version (NIV)In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
• English Standard Version (ESV)The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
• New King James Version (NKJV)A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Context of Proverbs 16:9

7When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness Than great income [gained] with injustice. A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. 10A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment. 11A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].

Proverbs 16:9 word by word

לֵ֣ב אָ֭דָם יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה יָכִ֥ין צַעֲדֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• A man’sאָדָם'âdâm · manH120
• heartלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• devisethחָשַׁבchâshab · to devise: deviseH2803
• his wayדֶּ֫רֶךְderek · way: journeyH1870
• but the Lordיְהֹוָהyehôvâh · LORDH3068
• directethכּוּןkûn · to establish: establishH3559
• his stepsצַ֫עַדtsa‛ad · stepH6806

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:9

• Proverbs 16:1The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
• Proverbs 19:21Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).
• Proverbs 20:24Man’s steps are ordered and ordained by the Lord. How then can a man [fully] understand his way?
• Proverbs 21:30There is no [human] wisdom or understanding Or counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.
• Psalms 37:23The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].
• Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’
• Jeremiah 10:23O Lord, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life].

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:9

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 9A man's heart deviseth his way - This is precisely the same sentiment as that contained in the first verse, on the true meaning of which so much has been already said.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 9Deviseth his way - i. e., Thinks it out with anxious care; yet it is the Lord and He only who directs the steps. Compare Proverbs 16:1.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 9Verse 9 If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace. 10. Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 99. (Compare Pr 16:3). directeth--establisheth.Read the comment

In the dictionaries

• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Providence
• Whisperer
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

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