Calvinist Proof-Texts Answered: How Does the Lord Direct a Man's Steps?

 

Calvinist Proof-Texts Answered 

“A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

How Does the Lord Direct a Man's Steps?

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.” (Proverbs 21:29)

Commentary: Proverbs 16:9 serves as another text by Calvinists to support their claim that men do not possess free-will, therefore, every event and every act of men has been foreordained by God. Yet, it is another case of Calvinists failing to actually read the passage as well as allowing Scripture to interpret itself. The text says that a man’s heart, not some uncontrollable divine influence, deviseth his way. Hence, the text itself repudiates the Calvinist claim that men lack free-will. Moreover, the Lord directing a man’s steps does not equate to divine puppetry. Prov. 3:5-6 states that this directing is related to God’s guiding and leading in cooperation with men. Such guidance is only for those who are upright. A person can devise plans but he will have no success apart from receiving God’s guidance and direction. Hence, Prov. 16:9 would be better translated as “.... but it is the Lord who guides their steps” (Easy-to-Read Version) or “.... but it is the Lord who leads them in the right way” (Easy English Bible).