Jeremiah 10:23

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Despairing of influencing the people, he turns to God.

Way of man not in himself - (, "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord;" ; James 4:13). I know, O Yahweh, that the march of the Babylonian conqueror against me (Jeremiah identifying himself with his people) is not at his own discretion, but is overruled by thee (Isaiah 10:5, "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger ... against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge;" cf. ).

That walketh - when he walketh, i:e., sets out in any undertaking.

To direct his steps - to give a prosperous issue to (, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way") his movement.