Man proposes, but God disposes.

What it means

Make your plans and make them well. The outcome is held by a larger hand. Work hard, then hold the result with open fingers.

The source

"Man proposes, but God disposes." Thomas à Kempis said it in The Imitation of Christ 1.19.2. Translated by William Benham, 1874.

"For man proposeth, but God disposeth"

William Benham, 1874, The Imitation of Christ 1.19.2. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471). Augustinian canon in the Netherlands, generally credited with The Imitation of Christ, one of the most widely read Christian books ever written.

Questions

What does "Man proposes, but God disposes." mean?

Make your plans and make them well. The outcome is held by a larger hand. Work hard, then hold the result with open fingers.

Who said "Man proposes, but God disposes."?

Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471). Source: The Imitation of Christ 1.19.2.

What is the original wording?

For man proposeth, but God disposeth (William Benham, 1874). Translated by William Benham, 1874.

Is "Man proposes, but God disposes." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Man proposes, but God disposes." (Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ 1.19.2, trans. William Benham, 1874). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/man-proposes-but-god-disposes