Bible Strands
Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — No speaker, audience, or narrative moment is identified; this is a general wisdom maxim in the Proverbs corpus.
The words — The contrast is between מַחֲשָׁבוֹת (machashavot, "plans," plural) and עֲצַת (etzat, "purpose," singular); the verb תָּקוּם (taqum, "it will stand") gives the LORD's purpose an image of permanence against the multiplicity of human schemes.
The thread — Proverbs 16:9 and 16:1 state the same principle from slightly different angles (steps, words); Isaiah 14:24 echoes it in prophetic oath-language.
Why it lands — It does not forbid planning; it removes the assumption that planning is the final authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
- Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand.
- Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
- Psalms 33:10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.
- Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
- Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
- Ephesians 1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
- Job 23:13 But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.
- Isaiah 14:26 This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations.
- Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.