Proverbs 16
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17. The highway--A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil.
keepeth--observes.
18, 19. (Compare Proverbs 15:33 ). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence
a fall--literally, "sliding."
19. divide the spoil--that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud ( James 4:6 ).
20. handleth a matter--wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Proverbs 13:13 ).
trusteth--(Compare Psalms 2:12 , Psalms 118:8 Psalms 118:9 ).
21. wise in heart--who rightly consider duty.
sweetness of the lips--eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.
22. Understanding--or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing ( Proverbs 13:14 ), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.
23. The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
24. (Compare Proverbs 15:26 ). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
25. (Compare Proverbs 14:2 ).
26. Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.
27. ungodly man--(Compare Proverbs 6:12 ).
diggeth up evil--labors for it.
in his lips . . . fire--His words are calumniating ( James 3:6 ).
28. (Compare Proverbs 6:14 , 10:31 ).
whisperer--prater, talebearer ( Proverbs 18:8 , 26:20 ).
29. violent man--or, "man of mischief" ( Proverbs 3:31 ).
enticeth--( Proverbs 1:10 ).
30. He shutteth his eyes--denoting deep thought ( Psalms 64:6 ).
moving his lips--or, "biting his lips"--a determined purpose ( Proverbs 6:13 ).
31. (Compare Proverbs 20:29 ).
if--or, which may be supplied properly, or without it the sense is as in Proverbs 3:16 , 4:10 , that piety is blessed with long life.
32. (Compare Proverbs 14:29 ).
taketh a city--that is, by fighting.
33. Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.