Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16:9 in other versions

• 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.
• New Living Translation (NLT)We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Context of Proverbs 16:9

7When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. 10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. 11A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.

Proverbs 16:9 word by word

לֵ֣ב אָ֭דָם יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה יָכִ֥ין צַעֲדֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

• 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 preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
• Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
• Proverbs 20:24Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?
• Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
• Psalms 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
• 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:
• 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.

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