Proverbs 16:9
Bible verses · Also called: Prov. 16:9, Prov 16:9, A man's heart deviseth his way, The LORD directeth his steps, A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps
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A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
The text is the New Korean Revised Version (1998), shown under a licence from the Korean Bible Society. Wording may differ slightly from the Korean Revised Version and the Revised New Korean Standard Version. Read in the Korean Revised Version
Proverbs 16:9 is a proverb teaching that although a person plans his way in his heart, it is the LORD who directs his steps. It is frequently cited in discussions of how human planning and divine providence, and human freedom and God's sovereignty, work together.
Context
The opening section of Proverbs 16 gathers sayings that contrast human plans with God's sovereignty. Verse 1 says that the plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. Verse 2 says that although a person's ways are clean in his own eyes, the LORD weighs the spirits. Verse 3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." In this sequence, verse 9 once again sets human planning and divine guidance side by side: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." The proverb about casting lots in verse 33 addresses the same theme.
Interpretation
- As the coexistence of planning and providence: On this reading, the verse does not forbid planning. Rather, it teaches that while it is natural and proper for people to make plans, their actual steps lie within God's providence. It is read together with the call to "commit" in verse 3.
- As a lesson in humility: On this reading, the verse warns against the pride that confidently assumes one's plans will surely succeed. It reflects the same line of thought as "If the Lord will" in James 4:13-15.
- As a word of comfort: On this reading, the verse offers assurance that God guides a person's steps even when plans go awry.
Debates
This verse is cited in discussions of predestination and free will. The Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition reads it as support for the view that all things, including human plans, fall under God's decree and providence. The Arminian and Wesleyan traditions (Methodist and Holiness churches) affirm God's guidance while also emphasizing that human plans and choices are genuinely meaningful free decisions. Both sides agree that the verse does not teach fatalism, the idea that events will turn out as predetermined no matter what one does.
In the Korean Church
The verse is often read at New Year's Eve watch night services and on the first Sunday of the new year, when believers make plans for the year ahead. It is also frequently used in prayers for young adults facing career decisions and for students preparing for entrance examinations.
Related Passages
- Proverbs 16:1-3
- Proverbs 19:21
- James 4:13-15
- Proverbs 3:5-6
See also 4
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