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 - (Proverbs 16:1, "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord;" Proverbs 20:24; James 4:13-14). 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 10:5-7, "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger ... against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge;" cf. Jeremiah 10:19).
That walketh - when he walketh, i:e., sets out in any undertaking.
To direct his steps - to give a prosperous issue to (Psalms 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way") his movement.