Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 16

Verses 1-33

Verse Proverbs 16:1. A somewhat obscure proverb which recognizes that man has to exercise his own reason in making his plans, but that he is dependent on the Lord for the answer of the tongue. Dr. Perowne's interpretation is most likely the correct one. He says: "The implied moral of the proverb is, If we cannot do the less without God, do not attempt to do the greater without Him."

Verse Proverbs 16:4. This is simply the affirmation of the fact that in the orderliness of the divine economy the harvest must be according to the sowing.

Verse Proverbs 16:21. Wisdom is recognized, and where there is ability to impart it, it becomes helpful to others.

Verse Proverbs 16:26. That is to say that hunger will make a man work when nothing else will. This is in harmony with the apostolic principle, "If a man will not work, neither let him eat."

Verse Proverbs 16:32. This is a proverb that is constantly quoted, and very little believed. If men only recognized that there is more valor and heroism in self-control than in doughty deeds which others acclaim in song and story, how different our world would be.