Today's Verse: Proverbs 19:20-21

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
— Proverbs 19:20-21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Man proposes, heaven disposes." Most of us rush to give advice and make grandiose plans. The Wiseman reminds us that wisdom comes from submitting to instruction for a significant period of time and then, only at the end of long listening does it come. If you are like me, you would do much better to let your plans ripen a bit more in the light of the Lord before you launch into them. I am comforted that James, the wisdom writer of the New Testament, reminds us that God will give that wisdom if we seek it and not doubt. But while we pray for wisdom, let's pray also for patience to listen to the Lord's truth in Scripture so we may recognize wisdom when it comes!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, teach me your ways and help me discern your paths for my life. I have so many plans and schemes, but I know if they are not from you, they will not stand. Lead me to your wisdom and I will not only seek to know it, but also seek to live it by the power supplied by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Plans of Man
Illustration of Proverbs 19:20-21
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 19:20-21 -- Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21
Devo: Today's Verse
"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
Are You Listening?
Article by Alan Smith
Are you listening to what is actually being said? We get ourselves in so many problems because we do not genuinely listen to each other.
See All 5 Related Resources about Proverbs 19:20-21

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 19:20-21 — Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, October 10, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'What Good Is That?' (Jn. 6:8-9)
"[After Philip said that even wages from months of work wouldn't be sufficient to feed the crowd following Jesus] Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Be Brave Because the Lord Is on Our Side'
"Be brave and confident! There's no reason to be afraid of King Sennacherib and his powerful army. We are much more powerful, because the Lord our..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Who Can Argue with These Qualities?'
"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'To the Praise of His Glory!'
"Dear Disciple, One day you will hear the angels sing in celebration around the throne of God (Revelation 5:11-13). However, I wish you could hear..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse