Man proposes, but God disposes. — Thomas à Kempis | Printable Wall Art

“Man proposes, but God disposes.”

Words by Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) — Author of The Imitation of Christ.

About this quote

Human beings can make careful plans, outline their desires, and set their intentions, but ultimate control over how events unfold rests with a higher power. It serves as a reminder of human limitations. No matter how much effort people invest in shaping their future, circumstances beyond their influence will always shape the final outcome.

This proverb appears in The Imitation of Christ, a Christian devotional book written by Thomas à Kempis in the early fifteenth century. Although earlier versions existed in Latin, his text popularised the exact phrasing throughout Europe.

People often hang this print in a study or beside a bed as a daily reminder of humility.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.