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Man proposes, God disposes

Cultural  
  1. People can make plans; God determines how things will turn out.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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But, alas! as I have just said, "Man proposes, God disposes."

From Strange True Stories of Louisiana by George Washington Cable

Very familiar examples are these—"Little pot, soon hot," "A stitch in time saves nine," "Many a little makes a mickle," "No gains without pains," and "Man proposes, God disposes."

From Proverb Lore Many sayings, wise or otherwise, on many subjects, gleaned from many sources by F. Edward (Frederick Edward) Hulme

In no walk of life is that head-light axiom, "Man proposes, God disposes," so often flashed plump in the eyes of enthusiastic travellers for their bewilderment or befuddlement as in finance.

From Frenzied Finance Vol. 1: The Crime of Amalgamated by Thomas William Lawson

In 1864, "Man proposes, God disposes," was painted, an Arctic incident suggested by the finding of the relics of Sir John Franklin.

From Famous European Artists by Sarah K. Bolton

Unexpectedly, however, events verified the truth of the old adage, "Man proposes, God disposes."

From Nathan Hale by Jean Christie Root

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