Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

God also counsels through prayer; the direct communication with God allows us to ask for guidance and discernment. God promises to give wisdom to those who ask in faith (Jas. 1:5). Prayer is relational; it invites God’s counsel into your decision-making, not just theoretical knowledge.

The Holy Spirit guides believers, He convicts, and teaches (John 14:26; Rom. 8:14). Through inner prompting, peace, or conviction, God directs believers in daily decisions.

Then there is the wise counsel from godly people, who are mature in faith, through which God often speaks. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counsellors there is safety” (11:14). Mentors, parents, or godly friends can provide insight aligned with God’s Word.

Circumstances and providence are also methods that God can use where He guides us through circumstances, for example: Joseph’s life – what seemed like setbacks (sold by brothers, imprisoned) became God’s way of placing him in a position to save many (Gen. 50:20).

Our conscience and moral reasoning can be implemented as a source through which God’s counsel often comes. Romans 2:15 states that God’s law is written on the hearts of men; a sensitive conscience can guide moral decisions.

God’s counsel is found primarily in Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, and is often confirmed through wise counsel, life circumstances, and a sensitive conscience. The key is to seek Him deliberately, align with His Word, and remain open to His guidance while living in constant obedience.

Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

Examples of human plans that failed against God’s counsel (continues): [3] Joseph’s brethren (Gen. 37:19-28; 50:20) – Schemed to destroy their brother’s dreams by selling him into slavery. God overruled, raising Joseph to save many lives. [4] Pharaoh (Exo. 1:10; 14:5-31) – Planned to enslave and weaken Israel. Ended in ruin at the Red Sea. [5] Rulers of Israel (Matt. 27:63-66) – Plotted to seal the tomb of Jesus. God raised Him from the dead, the very event they sought to prevent. [6] Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-9) – Determined to destroy Christians. God turned him into Paul the apostle, one of His greatest apostles with regard to spreading the gospel. [7] Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-3, 20-23) – Intended to persecute and kill more Christians. Struck down by the angel of the Lord for his pride. [8] The forty Jews (Acts 23:12-15) – Conspired to assassinate Paul. Their plot was discovered and thwarted.

Human ambition may be clever, forceful, or even appear successful for a time, but God’s counsel is the unshakable reality. Plans contrary to His will ultimately collapse, while His purposes move forward unhindered.

God’s primary way of giving counsel is through His Word. Passages like Proverbs, Psalms, and the New Testament teach wisdom, moral guidance, and decision-making principles. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (3:5-6). Reading, meditating, and studying Scripture helps align our hearts and decisions with God’s will. To be continued…

Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

‘There are many devices in a man’s heart.’ The word “devices” refers to plans, schemes, intentions, or purposes. Human beings, in their natural condition, are full of ambitions and ideas, some selfish, some short-sighted, some even rebellious against God. The contrast is between human scheming and divine sovereignty. Man prepares the heart, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD (16:1-2). “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

‘Nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.’ God’s will and purpose are unchangeable. Human plots may rise and fall, but only His counsel is permanent. God declares “the end from the beginning” and His counsel shall stand (Isa. 46:10). The LORD brings the counsel of nations to nothing, but His counsel endures forever (Ps. 33:10-11).

Examples of human plans that failed against God’s counsel: [1] Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:17) – Sought to exalt himself above God. Cast down, destined for judgment. [2] Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:3-8) – Planned to gain wisdom and be “like gods.” Result: shame, curse, and expulsion from Eden. To be continued…