16:9

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

9a
A man’s heart plans his course,

9b but the LORD determines his steps.

The overall contrast is between a person’s efforts to plan what he intends to do and God’s control of what actually happens. Compare 16:1, which has a similar theme but refers more specifically to speech.

16:9a

A man’s heart: Another way to translate this phrase is:

In his mind (New American Bible)

In some languages, this phrase will not need to be stated explicitly, because it is implied by the word “plans.” For example:

You may make your plans (Good News Translation)

You will need to decide whether it is natural in your language to translate this phrase explicitly.

his course: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as his course is literally “his way.” Here it probably refers to the direction that a person plans to take in life, not to a literal journey.

16:9b

but the LORD determines his steps: The phrase his steps is literally “his step.” The singular form of the word may imply that the LORD determines each step or outcome of a person’s plans. Another way to translate this clause is:

but God directs your actions (Good News Translation)
-or-
but the LORD decides each thing that you do

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