Proverbs 16

1 Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.

2 Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.

3 Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place.

4 God made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included - but for judgment.

5 God can't stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.

6 Guilt is banished through love and truth; Fear-of-God deflects evil.

7 When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.

8 Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich.

9 We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. It Pays to Take Life Seriously

10 A good leader motivates, doesn't mislead, doesn't exploit.

11 God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.

12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.

13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.

14 An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that.

15 Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.

16 Get wisdom - it's worth more than money; choose insight over income every time.

17 The road of right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life.

18 First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.

19 It's better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous.

20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God.

21 A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation.

22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way.

23 They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases.

24 Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.

25 There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again - it leads straight to hell.

26 Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder.

27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn.

28 Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.

29 Calloused climbers betray their very own friends; they'd stab their own grandmothers in the back.

30 A shifty eye betrays an evil intention; a clenched jaw signals trouble ahead.

31 Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life.

32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power.

33 Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.

Proverbs 16 Commentary

Chapter 16

Verse 1 The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good. Verse 2 . Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct. Verse 3 . Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him. Verse 4 . God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last. Verse 5 . Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God's judgments. Verse 6 . By the mercy and truth of God in Christ Jesus, the sins of believers are taken away, and the power of sin is broken. Verse 7 . He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him. Verse 8 . A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better account than a great estate ill-gotten. Verse 9 . If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace. 10. Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God. Verse 11 . To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment. Verse 12 . The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security. Verse 13 . Put those in power who know how to ( proverbs 16:14-15 ) the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour. Verse 16 . There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom. Verse 17 . A sincerely religious man keeps at a distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that walks in Christ, and is led by the Spirit of Christ. Verse 18 . When men defy God's judgments, and think themselves far from them, it is a sign they are at the door. Let us not fear the pride of others, but fear pride in ourselves. Verse 19 . Humility, though it exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy. He that understands God's word shall find good. Verse 21 . The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents. Verse 22 . As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours. Verse 23 . The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others. Verse 24 . The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls. Verse 25 . This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls. Verse 26 . We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish. ( proverbs 16:27-28 ) be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a ( proverbs 16:29-30 ) mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result. Verse 31 . Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness. Verse 32 . To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy. Verse 33 . All the disposal of Providence concerning our affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly. Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for he knows what is good for them.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 6

This chapter gives an account of the building of the temple, for which preparations were before made and begins with the time of its building, 1Ki 6:1; gives the dimensions of it and the porch before it, 1Ki 6:2,3; observes the windows in it and chambers about it, 1Ki 6:4-10; and while it was building, Solomon had a word from the Lord relative to it, 1Ki 6:11-14; and then the account goes on concerning the walls of the house, and the flooring of it, 1Ki 6:15-18; and the oracle in it, and the cherubim in that, 1Ki 6:19-30; and the doors into it, and the carved work of them, 1Ki 6:31-36; and the chapter is concluded with observing the time when it was begun and finished 1Ki 6:37,38.