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Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart plans his way, but Yahweh directs his steps.
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Interpretation

Proverbs 16:9 shows a planning that is lived within concrete decisions—see "man's" and "heart". Give planning in generosity without notice—teach the body new reflexes.

Context

The setting is Proverbs—poetry/wisdom, highlighting planning. Within ch. 16, a small unit frames the emphasis. It edges toward wisdom & worship. Watch the terms “man's” and “heart”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early sources associate Proverbs with Solomon & sages. Many scholars judge Proverbs as follows: Sayings gathered and edited in stages.. Date: Compiled across the monarchic and post‑exilic periods.. This verse leans into wisdom & worship.

More details
Traditional:Solomon & sages
Modern scholarship:Wisdom anthology compiled in stages.
Date:Monarchic to post‑exilic.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Hebrew Masoretic Text is consistent. The Septuagint emphasizes God's direction more strongly. No Dead Sea Scrolls preserve this specific verse, but the Proverbs tradition is stable. The contrast between human planning (chashav) and divine directing (kun) appears in all manuscripts. Aramaic Targums from the early centuries CE support the Hebrew reading.
Sources & witness notes
MT