Proverbs 20:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?

NIV: A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?

NASB: A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord; How then can a person understand his way?

CSB: Even a courageous person's steps are determined by the Lord, so how can anyone understand his own way?

NLT: The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

KJV: Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

NKJV: A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?

The point made here is not that God drags a man through life without any free will or choice. Rather, this proverb notes that God is ultimately in control of all things, and we will not always understand the circumstances we face. It is important to know where the Lord is leading and to trust Him to direct us in the right way (Proverbs 3:4–6). He never leads us astray or allows temptations that are too difficult to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can't presume to understand such things in the exact same way as God—if we lean too hard on our own judgment, we go down the wrong path, stumble, and fall (Proverbs 8:34–36).

We cannot see the future. The Lord not only sees the future but holds it. We can ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), including perspective on why we experience things. But we are too limited to demand a "satisfactory" answer to every possible question about life. David prayed what every believer should pray: "Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths" (Psalm 25:4). When Abraham's servant followed Abraham's instructions to find a bride for Abraham's son Isaac, he prayed for the Lord's direction (Genesis 24:42–44). When the Lord brought Rebekah to him, he bowed his head, worshiped the Lord, and blessed the Lord, who had led him by the right way to take Rebekah to Isaac (Genesis 24:48). Following the Lord may not always be easy, but it will always be right. Psalm 18:30 assures us His way is perfect.

Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.