Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Two parts in this text — the proposition and the qualification. I. THE PROPOSITION. 1. The property mentioned. "Many devices"; by which we may understand "conceits" or "contrivances." Man by nature is very apt and prone to these, whether in matter of apprehension or resolution. Reference here is specially to vain and foolish, or wicked and sinful, devices, which man easily frames, since he voluntarily and wilfully forsook the counsel of God. The variety of man's devices from the impetuousness and unsatiableness which is commonly in men's desires; from the levity and inconstancy which is upon men's souls; from a variety of lusts, and corrupt and inordinate principles, with which the heart of man is cumbered. 2. The subject of this property, man, and precisely, the heart of man. Devices seem to belong to the head rather than to the heart. The heart is here put for the whole mind and soul. The devices are in the heart originally, as the spring and fountain of all. Men's opinions and conceits take their rise first from their heart. II. THE QUALIFICATION. 1. The simple assertion. The counsel of God may be the Word and truth of God, or the purpose and decree of God. 2. The additional opposition or correction of it. "Nevertheless." Here is the consistence of God's counsels with man's. Though man has his devices, God will have His. Because man has his devices, therefore God the Father has His. His counsel is even promoted by man's devices. (T. Horton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.WEB: There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail. |
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