Lesson 115: Proverbs 16:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
collects sayings about kings, speech, and divine sovereignty over human affairs. Royal courts and merchants alike made plans, yet IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More believed the LORD directed outcomes.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Many proverbs in this chapter address human ambition and speech. This verse holds planning and providence together—people devise paths, but the LORD ultimately orders where feet actually go.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Better is a little with righteousnessRighteousness is the state of being aligned with God’s character, will, and moral order. In Scripture, righteousness is both a standard and a relationship — living in harmony with God’s truth and receiving the right standing He provides through grace. It reflects integrity, justice, and faithful obedience shaped by God rather than human merit. More than great revenues without right.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
How do you plan while holding plans loosely?
-
When has God's direction differed from your plan?
-
What comfort is there in the LORD establishing steps?
