Bible verses about guidance

A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Traditionally attributed to Solomon. Planning is not the problem here; the proverb simply puts the plan and the outcome in two different hands, and says whose is the second.

You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

Asaph, near the end of a psalm that began in envy and confusion. Counsel now, glory later: the guidance is not only about the next step but about where the road ends.

Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.

From the longest psalm, written in praise of God's word by an unnamed author. The prayer asks for ordered steps and names the thing most likely to disorder them, which is not bad luck but sin.

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

David, in a psalm arranged by the Hebrew alphabet. The condition is humility, and the reason is practical: a person who already knows the way cannot be shown it.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The best known line on guidance in the Bible. A lamp to the feet lights the next step, not the whole road, which is usually how God's direction arrives.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

Traditionally attributed to Solomon. Many plans, one purpose. The verse does not forbid the plans; it settles which of the two will still be standing at the end.

I will bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my conscience instructs me.

David, and one of the few verses that describe guidance arriving at night. Counsel by day, and after dark the instruction of a conscience shaped by God.

I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.

The prophet Jeremiah, in a chapter about idols made by hand. A person who cannot direct his own steps needs someone who can, which is the whole case for asking.

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

David, in a psalm prayed from a low place. Two requests: to be taught the will, and to be led on level ground, since knowing the way and being able to walk it are not the same.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

David, after confessing the sin he had tried to hide. The instruction comes with a promise to watch over him, so the guidance is not a map handed over but a guide who stays.

And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Isaiah to a people who kept turning to Egypt for help. The voice comes from behind, which is where a teacher stands when a child is learning to walk.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Traditionally attributed to Solomon, and the passage most people reach for at a crossroads. The straight path is promised to the person who trusts before understanding, not after.

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.

David, in a prayer he seems to have prayed while waiting. Four verbs ask for direction; the last line admits the answer has not come yet, and waits anyway.