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Proverbs Chapter 16 @ Commentary for Proverbs 16 (Proverbs 16:1-33)

Proverbs Chapter 16

1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Commentary for Proverbs 16


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. #2|. Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct. #3|. Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him. 4|. God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last. #5|. Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God's judgments. #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. #7|. He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him. #8|. A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better account than a great estate ill-gotten. #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. #11|. To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment. 12|. The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security. #13|. Put those in power who know how to speak to the purpose. #14,15|. Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour. #16|. There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom. #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. #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. #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. #21|. The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents. #22|. As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours. #23|. The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others. #24|. The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls. #25|. This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls. #26|. We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish. 27,28|. Ungodly men bestow more pains to do mischief than would be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a hateful, but how common a character! #29,30|. Some do all the mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result. #31|. Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness. #32|. To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy. #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.

Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710. 
 

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