A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
What does Proverbs 16:9 mean?
If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace. Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Proverbs 16:9-10 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Deviseth 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 .
Key words
- heart
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A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
- deviseth
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A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
- directeth
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A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Context in Proverbs 16
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Proverbs 16 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as sayings of the wise. Proverbs offers compact instruction on speech, work, wealth, friendship, sex, discipline, justice, and wisdom as a way of life before God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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