The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives. Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.Proverbs 16:1–3 · World English Bible
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Proverbs 16:1–9
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives. Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed. The LORD has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished. By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
Context note · editorial
Plans and motives are placed before God's judgment. Committing one's work to God includes openness to correction rather than a promise that every ambition will succeed.
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