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What does the Bible say about making plans?

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The Bible commends wise, diligent planning while teaching that every plan must be humbly submitted to God’s sovereign will and directed by trust in him. Proverbs 16:3, 16:9, and 21:5 encourage believers to commit their work to the Lord, plan carefully, and recognize that he establishes their steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to seek his direction rather than rely on our own understanding. Counsel from godly others is valuable, as Proverbs 15:22 teaches. Yet James 4:13-17 warns against presumption, reminding us to say, “If the Lord wills.” Christians may plan responsibly, like the builder in Luke 14:28-30, while resting in God’s good purposes and providence.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 16:9

    A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.

  • Proverbs 16:3

    Commit your deeds to Yahweh, And your plans shall succeed.

  • Proverbs 19:21

    There are many plans in a man's heart, But Yahweh's counsel will prevail.

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

  • Proverbs 15:22

    Where there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they are established.

  • James 4:13-15

    [13] Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let's go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." [14] Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. [15] For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that."

  • Proverbs 21:5

    The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; And everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.

  • James 4:13-17

    [13] Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let's go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." [14] Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. [15] For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that." [16] But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. [17] To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

  • Luke 14:28-30

    [28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? [29] Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, [30] saying, 'This man began to build, and wasn't able to finish.'

  • Proverbs 3:5-6

    [5] Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths.

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