New King James Version
Proverbs 16:1
1The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is 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 Living Translation (NLT)We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
Context of Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. 3Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.
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 4:11So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?
- Jeremiah 1:7But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
- Matthew 10:19But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
- Luke 12:11“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
- Luke 21:14Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;
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
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries