Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 16:1

"The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah." — Proverbs 16:1 (ASV)

The preparations of the heart in man ... —Rather, To man belong the counsels of the heart. He may turn over in his mind what is the right thing to be said on any occasion, but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue .