Proverbs 16:1 Meaning and Explanation
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Our inner thoughts and spoken words originate from God.
The Context of Proverbs 16:1
This opens the chapter by establishing that human speech and intention are divinely sourced.
What Does Proverbs 16:1 Mean?
Proverbs opens with a declaration about the source of human thought and speech. The 'preparations of the heart' refers to deliberation and intention—the thinking process before words are formed. The 'answer of the tongue' is speech itself. The proverb asserts both come from the Lord, implying divine involvement in human cognition and communication.
This doesn't negate human responsibility for what we say, but rather locates the source of our capacity for thought and speech in God. It suggests that our ability to think, plan, and respond is divinely given, making our use of these faculties a stewardship rather than purely autonomous activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 16:1
What does Proverbs 16:1 mean?
Our inner thoughts and spoken words originate from God.
What is the context of Proverbs 16:1?
This opens the chapter by establishing that human speech and intention are divinely sourced.