The Plan and the Steps

Proverbs 16:9. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

This proverb is often quoted as though it said planning is pointless. It says no such thing. Humans plan their course, and the verse treats that as normal and good. Proverbs elsewhere praises the diligent who plan and warns against the haste that leads to poverty. Planning is part of wisdom.

What the verse adds is that the steps, the actual footfalls, are established by the LORD. You draw the map. He decides which roads are open. The two halves are not in competition. They describe the ordinary experience of any believer who has made a plan and watched God bend it toward something better, or harder, or simply different.

It is Thursday, near the end of the working week and near the end of summer. Plans for fall are forming. Make them. Then hold them loosely, and watch for the steps. Proverbs 16:3 says commit to the LORD whatever you do and your plans will be established. That is the posture: plan with an open hand.