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What does the Bible say about plans?

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The Bible teaches that wise planning is good, but every plan must be humbly submitted to God’s sovereign will, guided by His wisdom, and pursued for His glory. Jeremiah 29:11 assures God’s covenant people of His faithful purposes, while Proverbs 16:3, 16:9, and 19:21 remind us that the Lord establishes our steps and accomplishes His counsel. We should seek advice, make diligent preparations, and write vision clearly when appropriate, as Proverbs 15:22 and Habakkuk 2:2 show. Yet Jesus calls us first to seek God’s kingdom in Matthew 6:33, trusting Him rather than anxiously controlling outcomes. Proverbs 3:5-6 directs believers to depend on the Lord, and Ephesians 6:10-18 calls for spiritual readiness as we serve Him.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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 16:3

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

  • Proverbs 16:9

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

  • Matthew 6:33

    But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

  • Proverbs 19:21

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

  • Proverbs 15:22

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

  • 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.

  • Habakkuk 2:2

    Yahweh answered me, "Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.

  • Ephesians 6:10-18

    [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

  • 2 Timothy 2:15

    Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

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