Proverbs 16

The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD

1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.

2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.

3 Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.

4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5 Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.

6 By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

8 Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.

9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

10 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.

12 Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

15 When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

17 The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 Whoever heeds instruction will find success, ^[a] and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

26 A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.

27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech ^[b] is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

30 He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or Whoever speaks prudently will find what is good
• [b]. Or and what is on his lips

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.