Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 16

Introduction

CHAPTER 16

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Verse 1

1. preparations—schemes.

in man—or literally, "to man," belonging, or pertaining to him.

the answer . . . Lord—The efficient ordering is from God: "Man proposes; God disposes."

Verse 2

2. clean—or, "faultless."

weigheth—or, "tries," "judges," implying that they are faulty (Proverbs 21:2; Proverbs 24:12).

Verse 3

3. (Compare Margin). Rely on God for success to your lawful purposes.

Verse 4

4. for himself—"for its answer," or "purpose," that is, according to God's plan; the wicked are for the day of evil (Psalms 49:5; Jeremiah 17:18); sinning and suffering answer to each other, are indissolubly united.

Verse 5

5. (Compare :-).

Verse 6

6. By mercy and truth—that is, God's (Psalms 85:10); He effects the atonement, or covering of sin; and the principles of true piety incline men to depart from evil; or, "mercy" and "truth" may be man's, indicative of the gracious tempers which work instrumentally in procuring pardon.

purged—expiated (as in Leviticus 16:33; Isaiah 27:9, Hebrew).

Verse 7

7. Persecutions, of course, excepted.

Verse 8

8. (Compare Proverbs 15:6; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 15:17).

Verse 9

9. (Compare :-).

directeth—establisheth.

Verse 10

10. The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.

Verse 11

11. are the Lord's . . . his work—that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men.

Verse 12

12. Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.

Verse 13

13. A specification of the general sentiment of Proverbs 16:12.

Verse 14

14. This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death ( :-), can be appeased by the wise.

Verse 15

15. light of . . . countenance—favor (Psalms 4:6).

life—preserves it, or gives blessings which make it valuable.

the latter rain—fell just before harvest and matured the crop; hence specially valuable (Deuteronomy 11:14).

Verse 16

16. (Compare Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:5).

Verse 17

17. The highway—A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil.

keepeth—observes.

Verse 18

18, 19. (Compare :-). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence

a fall—literally, "sliding."

Verse 19

19. divide the spoil—that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud ( :-).

Verse 20

20. handleth a matter—wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare :-).

trusteth—(Compare Psalms 2:12; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 118:9).

Verse 21

21. wise in heart—who rightly consider duty.

sweetness of the lips—eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.

Verse 22

22. Understanding—or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing ( :-), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.

Verse 23

23. The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.

Verse 24

24. (Compare :-). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.

Verse 25

25. (Compare :-).

Verse 26

26. Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.

Verse 27

27. ungodly man—(Compare :-).

diggeth up evil—labors for it.

in his lips . . . fire—His words are calumniating (James 3:6).

Verse 28

28. (Compare Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 10:31).

whisperer—prater, talebearer (Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 26:20).

Verse 29

29. violent man—or, "man of mischief" (Proverbs 3:31).

enticeth— (Proverbs 3:31- :).

Verse 30

30. He shutteth his eyes—denoting deep thought (Psalms 64:6).

moving his lips—or, "biting his lips"—a determined purpose (Psalms 64:6- :).

Verse 31

31. (Compare :-).

if—or, which may be supplied properly, or without it the sense is as in Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:10, that piety is blessed with long life.

Verse 32

32. (Compare :-).

taketh a city—that is, by fighting.

Verse 33

33. Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.