Proverbs 16:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:9

Man is here represented to us, 1. As a reasonable creature, that has the faculty of contriving for himself: His heart devises his way, designs an end, and projects ways and means leading to that end, which the inferior creatures, who are governed by sense and natural instinct, cannot do. The more shame for him if he do not devise the way how to please God and provide for his everlasting state. 2. But as a depending creature, that is subject to the direction and dominion of his Maker. If men... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:9

A man's heart deviseth his way ,.... This is to be understood, not of a wicked man, in whose heart is frowardness, and who devises mischief and evil imaginations continually, Proverbs 6:14 ; for such are an abomination to the Lord; nor will he direct their goings, or prosper and succeed them in their ways: but of a good man, or righteous man, as Aben Ezra; who thinks of the way in which he should go, and desires to walk in a right way, as Jarchi; and who is influenced by the Spirit and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:9

A 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 more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-9

Thought, action, prayer It may be said that the three main elements of human experience are those of thinking, of acting, and of praying. We have not done our best until we have done all of these. I. THOUGHT . "The preparations of the heart belong to man" (Revised Version). "Thy thoughts" ("thy purposes," Revised Version). We are told of Peter, after the denial, that "when he thought thereon, he wept" ( Mark 14:72 ). But if he had thought beforehand what grief he would cause his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:4-9

The administration of rewards and punishments I. THE MORAL DESIGNS OF GOD . ( Proverbs 16:4 .) The creation is teleological ; it has a beginning, a process, and an end in view, all determined by the will and wisdom of God. If this is true of every plant, of every mollusc, it is true of every man. We are formed to illustrate his praise. Disobedience, with its consequences, ratifies his just and holy laws. II. THE MORAL FEELINGS OF GOD . ( Proverbs 16:5 .)... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:9

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps ( Proverbs 16:1 ). "Man proposes, God disposes" or, as the Germans say, "Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt" (comp. Proverbs 20:24 ). The word rendered "deviseth" implies, by its spectra, intensity of thought and care. Man meditates and prepares his plans with the utmost solicitude, hut it rests with God whether he shall carry them to completion or not, and whether, if they are to be accomplished, it be done with ease or with... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16:9. A man’s heart deviseth his way Considers and proposes to himself what he will do; designs an end, and contrives by what means he may attain it; but the Lord directeth his steps Ruleth and disposeth all his intentions and actions as he pleases, determining what the event shall be, and ordering his motions, perhaps, to such an issue as never came into his thoughts. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:9

deviseth his way. See notes on Proverbs 16:1 . directeth his steps. Illustrations: Joseph's brethren (Genesis 37:18-28 , and Pro 45:5 ); Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:5 ); Saul (1 Samuel 9:3 , 1Sa 9:15 , 1 Samuel 9:16 ; 1 Samuel 23:26 ; 1Sa 23:-28 ); Jesse (1 Samuel 16:8-11 ; 1 Samuel 17:23 , 1 Samuel 17:53 ); Syrians (2 Kings 5:2 ); woman (John 4:7 ); Saul (Acts 9:1 , &c.); Philemon. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:9

"A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps."This is parallel with Proverbs 16:1. See our comment there. read more

Group of Brands