Proverbs 16:4-14

4 The LORD 1has made everything for its own purpose, Even the 2wicked for the day of evil.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
6 By 3lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the 4fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He 5makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice *.
9 The mind of 6man plans his way, But 7the LORD directs his steps.
10 A divine 8decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.
11 A 9just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a 10throne is established on righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved.
14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it.

Proverbs 16:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Cross References 10

  • 1. Genesis 1:31; Ecclesiastes 3:11
  • 2. Romans 9:22
  • 3. Daniel 4:27; Luke 11:41
  • 4. Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 14:16
  • 5. Genesis 33:4; 2 Chronicles 17:10
  • 6. Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 19:21
  • 7. Psalms 37:23; Proverbs 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23
  • 8. 1 Kings 3:28
  • 9. Proverbs 11:1
  • 10. Proverbs 25:5

Footnotes 5

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