Pro 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. (ESV).
God has given us abilities to think, formulate, plan and execute things within His boundaries. But if God is sovereign and will do whatever He pleases, what is the point of praying and planning for life? you may ask. And then other question or thought that follows, why not disregard God and accomplish things by self, after all God has put them in motion.
The best way to understand this verse is to excercise God’s given knowledge/wisdom to think, plan and even move towards fulfilling them with one main caveat, never putting your confidence in your planning. By His word we learn the general permissive will of God for His people. We then seek His wisdom and guidance within the permissive will for His perfect will for us. This leads to submitting to His counsel if we are in conflict to His. God’s counsels are wise and holy, steady and uniform. What comfort this speak to all God’s people, that all God’s purposes, which we are sure are right and good, shall be accomplished in due time. Does this stop us from our human responsibilities? No. It just teaches us not to have confidence in them for God’s purposes shall prevail.