God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 16:1
1The plans of the heart belong to humans, but an answer on the tongue comes 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 of the heart belong to humans, but an answer on the tongue comes from the Lord. 2A person thinks all his ways are pure, but the Lord weighs motives. 3Entrust your efforts to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
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 asked him, “Who gave humans their mouths? Who makes humans unable to talk or hear? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? It is I, the Lord!
- Jeremiah 1:7But the Lord said to me, “Don’t say that you are only a boy. You will go wherever I send you. You will say whatever I command you to say.
- Matthew 10:19When they hand you over ⌞to the authorities⌟, don’t worry about what to say or how to say it. When the time comes, you will be given what to say.
- Luke 12:11“When you are put on trial in synagogues or in front of rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say.
- Luke 21:14So make up your minds not to worry beforehand how you will 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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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