Proverbs 16:1-9

1 The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.^[a]

2 All a man's ways seem right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the motives.^{[b] [c]}

3 Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved.^[d]

4 The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose- even the wicked for the day of disaster.^[e]

5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;^[f] be assured,^[g] he will not go unpunished.^[h]

6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.^[i]

7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He^[j] makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.^[k]

9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.^[l]

Proverbs 16:1-9 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 16:9; 19:21
• [b] Lit weighs spirits
• [c] Pr 17:3; 19:21; 21:2
• [d] Ps 37:4-5
• [e] Rm 9:21-22
• [f] Pr 6:16-17; 8:13; 2 Ch 32:25
• [g] Lit hand to hand
• [h] Pr 11:21; 16:18; Ps 101:5
• [i] Jb 28:28; Pr 3:7
• [j] Or he
• [k] Pr 15:16-17; 16:19; 28:6; Ps 37:16
• [l] Pr 16:1; 19:21; 20:24