A man’s steps are from the LORDThis phrase emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the life of individuals. Throughout the Bible, the concept of divine providence is prevalent, suggesting that God orchestrates the events of the world and the lives of people. In the context of ancient Israel, this understanding would have been comforting, as it assured the Israelites that their lives were under divine guidance. This aligns with passages like
Jeremiah 10:23, which acknowledges that a person's path is not solely determined by their own decisions. Theologically, this reflects the belief that God has a plan for each person, as seen in
Ephesians 2:10, where believers are described as created for good works prepared by God.
so how can anyone understand his own way?
This rhetorical question highlights human limitations in comprehending the full scope of God's plan. It suggests humility and reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wisdom literature often explored themes of human limitation and the need for divine insight. This is echoed inProverbs 3:5-6, which advises trusting in the Lord rather than one's own understanding. The phrase also resonates with the story of Joseph in Genesis, where his life's path, though fraught with challenges, ultimately fulfilled God's purpose. This underscores the idea that while humans may not always understand their journey, it is part of a larger divine narrative.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often explore themes of divine guidance and human understanding.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and involvement in the lives of His people.
3.
ManRepresents humanity in general, highlighting the limitations of human understanding compared to divine wisdom.
Teaching Points
Divine SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of our lives. Our steps are directed by Him, and we must trust His plan even when we do not understand it.
Human LimitationAcknowledge our limited understanding. We often cannot comprehend the full scope of God's plan, which calls for humility and reliance on His wisdom.
Trust in God's PlanEncourage believers to trust in God's guidance. Even when the path seems unclear, faith in God's sovereignty provides peace and assurance.
Seek God's GuidanceEmphasize the importance of prayer and seeking God's direction in decision-making. Regularly ask for His wisdom and discernment.
Live by FaithEncourage living by faith, not by sight. Trusting in God's unseen hand requires faith that He is working all things for our good.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:24?
2.How does Proverbs 20:24 encourage trust in God's guidance for our lives?
3.What does "a man's steps are from the LORD" imply about divine sovereignty?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 20:24 when making major life decisions?
5.Connect Proverbs 20:24 with Jeremiah 29:11 regarding God's plans for us.
6.How can acknowledging God's control in Proverbs 20:24 reduce our anxiety?
7.How does Proverbs 20:24 challenge our understanding of free will and divine guidance?
8.What does Proverbs 20:24 imply about God's control over human life?
9.How should believers respond to uncertainty according to Proverbs 20:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20?
11.What defines punitive justice?
12.Who guides our steps despite our own plans?
13.Psalm 39:4 - If God determines our lifespan, how can we reconcile that with modern medicine's ability to extend life?
14.Job 8:11-13 compares the fate of sinners to papyrus plants withering; does this metaphor conflict with other biblical teachings about God's mercy?What Does Proverbs 20:24 Mean
“A man’s steps are from the LORD”• Solomon opens by anchoring every movement of life in God’s direct oversight. Nothing about our journey is random; each step is under His sovereign scheduling.
•Psalm 37:23 affirms, “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way,” showing that God’s involvement is both authoritative and affectionate.
•Proverbs 16:9 adds balance: “A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” We make real choices, yet the final outcome rests in His hands.
•Jeremiah 10:23 underscores the same truth: “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.”
• Implications for daily life:
– Confidence that no detour is wasted.
– Courage to obey even when circumstances shift, trustingRomans 8:28—He is weaving all things for good.
– Comfort when plans collapse, knowing the Planner never loses control.
“so how can anyone understand his own way?”• Because God is the One steering, our limited perspective can never grasp the full map.Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts… My ways higher than your ways.”
• This invites humility.Romans 11:33 exclaims, “How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!” We can’t decode every twist.
• It also invites trust.Proverbs 3:5-6 urges, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.”
• Practical responses when our route feels confusing:
– Lean on Scripture rather than feelings; God’s Word is the sure compass.
– Hold plans loosely, echoingJames 4:13-15: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”
– Celebrate guidance already given—open doors, closed doors, inner conviction—but resist demanding total clarity.
– Seek wise counsel; God often directs through godly voices (Proverbs 11:14).
•Ecclesiastes 11:5 offers perspective: just as we cannot trace the wind or the forming of bones in the womb, we cannot “understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Our role is obedience, not omniscience.
summaryProverbs 20:24 teaches that every step of life originates with the LORD, securing us in His sovereign care, while simultaneously reminding us of our inability to chart the entire course. The verse invites confident trust, humble dependence, and day-by-day obedience, certain that the One who plans our path sees the destination—even when we do not.
(24)
Man's goings are of the Lord.--Comp.
Jeremiah 10:23 and the collect, "O God, from whom . . . all just works do proceed."
How can a man then understand his own way?--i.e., how he should go. So much the more reason for the prayer ofPsalm 25:3, "Shew me thy ways, O Lord." (Comp.Psalm 119:33,ff,Psalm 143:8.)
Verse 24. -
Man's goings are of the Lord. In the first clause the word for "man" is
geber, which implies "a mighty man;" in the second clause the word is
adam, "a human creature." So the Septuagint has
ἀνὴρ in one clause and
θνητὸς in the other. The proverb says that the steps of a great and powerful man depend, as their final cause, upon the Lord; he conditions and controls results. Man has free will, and is responsible for his actions, but God foreknows them, and holds the thread that connects them together; he gives preventing grace; he gives efficient grace: and man blindly works out the designs of Omnipotence according as he obeys or resists. A similar maxim is found in
Psalm 37:23, "A man's goings are established of the Lord," but the meaning there is that it is God's aid which enables a man to do certain actions. Here we have very much the same intimation that is found in
Proverbs 2:6 and Proverbs 19:21; and see note on Proverbs 16:9. Hence arises the old prayer used formerly at prime, and inserted now (with some omissions) at the end of the Anglican Communion Service: "O almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, our thoughts, words, and actions, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty protection we may be preserved both here and forever." If man cannot see all sides, as God does, cannot comprehend the beginning, middle, and end in one view, how then can a man (a weak mortal) understand his own ways. How can he find out of himself whither he should go, or what will be the issue of his doings (comp.
Proverbs 16:25;
Jeremiah 10:23)? St. Gregory, "It is well said by Solomon [
Ecclesiastes 9:1], 'There are righteous and wise men, and their works are in the hand of God; and yet no man knoweth whether he is deserving of love or of hatred; but all things are kept uncertain for the time to come.' Hence it is said again by the same Solomon, 'What man will be able to understand his own way?' And any one doing good or evil is doubtless known by the testimony of his own conscience. But it is said that their own way is not known to men, for this reason, because, even if a man understands that he is acting rightly, yet he knows not, under the strict inquiry, whither he is going" ('Moral.,' 29:34).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A man’sגָ֑בֶר(ḡā·ḇer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397:A valiant man, warrior, a person simplystepsמִצְעֲדֵי־(miṣ·‘ă·ḏê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4703:A step, companionship[are] from the LORD,מֵיהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelso howמַה־(mah-)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatcan anyoneוְ֝אָדָ֗ם(wə·’ā·ḏām)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingunderstandיָּבִ֥ין(yā·ḇîn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 995:To separate mentally, understandhis own way?דַּרְכּֽוֹ׃(dar·kōw)Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of action
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh (Prov. Pro Pr) 
