Proverbs 16:9

Passage

Passage

“A man’s heart plan his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” NKJV

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”. NIV

“人心籌算自己的道路； 惟耶和華指引他的腳步。”

Study

Key Words and their meaning

Heart

Normally one plans with the mind but the use of this word means that it is the true inner meaning, thoughts and wishes to do. (Words used in to show the evils thoughts/hearts)

心想事成

People often tells you what they wanted but it is NOT what they really wanted or think in their heart. They may say ‘good’ when in their hearts ‘not good’. Hypocrisy is human! We are taught to be like that since youth! Experience with spouse?? ‘No problem’ does not mean ‘no problem’!

Directs or establish

to prepare, make ready; (Used in when the Israelites were to prepare the manna that they pick up each day)

to erect, set up

to determine, fix, appoint

to make firm

Interpretation

nterpretationRelated passage There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. ()()Examples to explain the meaning of the passage

Related passages

1. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. ()

2. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. ()

3. A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way? ()

Psalm 37:23 NKJV

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.

4. O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. ( NKJV)

Proverbs 20:24 NKJV

A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?

Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.

Examples to explain the meaning of the passage

Observations

First impression

1. We often thought we can plan what we wanted to do. This verse tells us that it is really God who make things happen (prepare) for us. Jesus taught us how to pray “Your will be done”. Submission total submission to God in our hearts and work is critical.

2. Unless we are of God’s will, what we think or plan may not turn out the way it is. It is God’s way which is higher than our way that prevails!

Isaiah 55:8–9 NKJV

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Background

Objective of the book or chapter

Meaning of the preceding and following passage

Chapter 15 talks a lot about the heart. Proverbs contained 97 times (NKJV) of the word ‘heart’. We must be mindful of our hearts.

Confirmation of the meaning of the passage

Applications

Testimonies

Various means to apply in own lives

Prayers

כון