New International Version
Proverbs 16:1
1To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
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.
- 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.
- New Living Translation (NLT)We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
Context of Proverbs 16:1
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 3Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
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 gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
- Jeremiah 1:7But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.
- Matthew 10:19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
- Luke 12:11“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
- Luke 21:14But make up your mind 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
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