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.
• 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 the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. 8Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. 10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. 11Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

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 16:1To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
• Proverbs 19:21Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
• Proverbs 20:24A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?
• Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
• Psalms 37:23The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
• Isaiah 46:10I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
• Jeremiah 10:23Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their 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