23 Lord, I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
23 O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
23 I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
23 I know, God, that mere mortals can't run their own lives, That men and women don't have what it takes to take charge of life.
23 O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
23 I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 10:23
Commentary on Jeremiah 10:17-25
(Read Jeremiah 10:17-25)
The Jews who continued in their own land, felt secure. But, sooner or later, sinners will find all things as the word of God has declared, and that its threatenings are not empty terrors. Submission will support the believer under every grief allotted to him; but what can render the load of Divine vengeance easy to be borne by those who fall under it in sullen despair? Those cannot expect to prosper, who do not, by faith and prayer, take God with them in all their ways. The report of the enemy's approach was very dreadful. Yet the designs which men lay deep, and think well formed, are dashed to pieces in a moment. Events are often overruled, so as to be quite contrary to what we intended and expected. If the Lord has directed our steps into the ways of peace and righteousness, let us entreat him to enable us to walk therein. Say not, Lord, do not correct me; but, Lord, do not correct me in anger. We may bear the smart of God's rod, but we cannot bear the weight of his wrath. Those who restrain prayer, prove that they know not God; for those who know him will seek him, and seek his favour. If even severe corrections lead sinners to be convinced of wholesome truths, they will have abundant cause for gratitude. And they will then humble themselves before the Lord.