Answer
Proverbs 19:21 says, “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand” (NKJV). The phrase a man’s heart refers to one’s innermost thoughts, intentions, and desires that drive his actions. When we examine this proverb, we have a better understanding of the relationship between human ambition and God’s will.
In biblical terms, “a man’s heart” is more than emotions, although it includes emotions. The Encyclopedia of the Bible defines heart as “that central agency and facility within man whereby he imagines, intends, purposes, thinks, and understands.” A man’s heart is his “inner self.” God “sees the heart” (Jeremiah 20:12, ESV), and it is the heart that He is most concerned with.
A man’s heart is affected by sin. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (ESV). This verse highlights the contradictory nature of man’s heart. We have plans and ambitions, but we are influenced by sin and selfishness. Our plans, as Robert Burns wrote, “oft go awry.”
Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails, despite the number of plans we may have in our hearts. There exists a tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom. In James 4:13–15, the apostle draws practical application from this tension: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (ESV). Human plans are uncertain compared to the certainty of God’s will.
Instead of trusting man’s heart, we should trust in God’s sovereign plan. Proverbs 3:5–6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (ESV). If we follow this proverb, we will not trust in our own flawed plans but in the perfect and infinite wisdom of God. We will submit our plans to His wisdom and care.
Given the deceitfulness of man’s heart, we must pray for our plans to align with God’s will. Philippians 4:6–7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (ESV). When we pray, trust, and obey, God aligns the plans of our hearts with His purpose.
The Bible has many examples of God redirecting the plans in man’s heart for His sovereign purpose. Young Joseph had certain dreams and ambitions, but those changed when he was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned. In the end, God used Joseph to save many lives (Genesis 50:20). Paul had plans to persecute Christians from town to town, but the counsel of the Lord overrode his plans. Paul’s heart was transformed, and he was given a new mission (Acts 9:1–22). When we surrender our plans to God, He uses us for His purposes. We are not our own (see 1 Corinthians 6:19).
Surrendering our plans to God’s will does not mean sacrificing ambition or effort. It does mean taking a posture of humility and a willingness to be guided by God’s hand. Psalm 37:4–5 encourages, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” (ESV). When we delight in the Lord and commit our ways to Him, He will align our plans with His purpose.
