Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 16

Verses 1-4

Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Proverbs 16:1 Word Study on “preparations” and “answer” - The words “preparations” ( מַעֲרָךְ ) (H4633) and “answer” ( מַעֲנֶה ) (H4617) are very similar in Hebrew, perhaps as a play on words.

Gesenius says the phrase “the answer of the tongue” means, “the hearing, or answering, of prayers.” (see comments on [ מַעֲנֶה ]).

Proverbs 16:1 Comments - In order to understand Proverbs 16:1, it is best to look at similar verses, which are dealing with the same theme.

Proverbs 16:9, “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

Proverbs 19:21, “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Proverbs 16:1 seems to say, “Though man begins the planning process, it is God who determines the final outcome.” This would carry the same meaning as James 4:13-15.

James 4:13-15, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit thy works unto the LORD” - Illustration:

James 4:15, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Proverbs 16:2-3 Comments Man’s Plans - Proverbs 16:2-3 are about man’s plans. We are not to make our own plans without the Lord being a part of this plan, because God knows our hearts (Proverbs 16:2). Rather, we are to commit ourselves into His hands (Proverbs 16:3). We find a similar statement in the book of James

James 4:13-16, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.”

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Proverbs 16:4 Scripture References - Note similar verses:

Romans 9:15, “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

Romans 9:22, “What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:”

Verses 1-9

Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:6 “ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged” Comments - Note other translations:

ASV, “ By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for.”

YLT, “In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity.”

Scripture References - Also note:

John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

Proverbs 16:8 Scripture References - Note a similar verse in Proverbs 15:16.

Proverbs 15:16, “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 Comments - Proverbs 16:9 tells us that man has the free will to make his own choices, but the Lord controls the consequences, or the outcome. In other words, there are divine principles of sowing and reaping that are at work in the lives of mankind.

It is important for us to have a plan, and especially to seek the Lord's will in this plan. However, the plan in itself is not enough. That is, we are not to have faith in the plan, even if the Lord inspired the plan in us. We are to keep our faith in God. We need to stay in touch with the Lord on a daily basis, so that He directs our steps. No plan in itself will succeed without the Lord’s involvement. God does not measure success by the outcome of the plan, but by the willingness of the heart of a man to love God and others in the midst of the working out of the plan. This idea is seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Kenneth Copeland said, “We make our plans and ask God to bless it. Ask God what His plan is and do it.” [111]

[111] Kenneth Copeland, “Sermon” ( Southwest Believers Convention, Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), 8 August 2008.

Illustration (1) - Note as an illustration how the Lord directed the steps of Philip the evangelist as he was led to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39.

Illustration (2) - In Matthew 26:5 the Jewish leaders were determined to control the outcome of the death of the Son of God. The Jewish people had just honored Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem by crying “Hosanna to the Son of David…” (Matthew 21:8-9) The crowds were willing to accept Him as their new king. Although the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus quietly without the notice of the people, they had not yet factored in the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, which Matthew adds to the plot in Proverbs 26:14-16. When Judas presented himself to the Jewish leaders, they were subject to the time of this betrayal, which took place during the festive days in Jerusalem. It was necessary that prophecy by fulfilled and that the Passover Lamb of God be sacrificed on the Day of Atonement. While the Jewish leaders believed they were organizing this most wicked scheme of all humanity, God was taking control of its outcome for redemptive reasons according to Proverbs 16:9, “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps,” and Proverbs 19:21, “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Scripture References - Note other similar verses:

Psalms 33:10-11, “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”

Psalms 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Proverbs 19:21, “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Proverbs 16:9 Comments - Note these words from Frances J. Roberts:

“I direct every motion of thy life, as the ocean bears a ship. Your will and intelligence may be at the helm, but divine providence and sovereignty are stronger forces. Ye can trust Me, knowing that any pressure I bring to bear upon thy life is initiated by My love, and I will not do even this except as ye are willing and desire.” [112]

[112] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 18.

Verses 1-33

Indoctrination: Solomon’s First Collection of Proverbs (Synthetic) - On our journey in chapters 10-15, we have learned to make wise choices and to avoid foolish decisions. In chapter 16, we begin to see that God's purpose and plan in our lives is bigger than just daily decision-making. This section of Proverbs (Proverbs 16:1 to Proverbs 22:16) reveals the divine intervention of God on this journey in life. We must now learn that God has an all-inclusive divine plan for all of his creation, for all of mankind, and a plan for you and me in particular. We must learn not only to make a wise decision, but we must evaluate this decision in light of God's divine plan for our lives. It is only by God’s divine intervention in our daily lives that we will be able to stay on the path that leads to eternal rest. God will intervene in order to keep our life balanced so that we will not stray in any one direction to far. Therefore, the journey becomes narrower and choices must be made more carefully.

Proverbs 10-15 have given us one-verse sayings that are clearly antithetical. That is, the first part of the verse contrasts with the second part. However, beginning in Proverbs 16:1 to Proverbs 22:16, we see a different type of proverb. In this next section of the book of Proverbs the one-verse says have two parts that complement one another. That is, the second phrase amplifies, or further explains, the first phrase, rather than contrast its counterpart. This means that the training is getting a little more intensive. This new section requires more contemplation that the previous section. Rather than contrasting the difference between the wise man and the fool, we begin to learn the consequences of our decisions, whether wise or foolish. We now move from identifying the wise and the fool (Proverbs 10:1 thru Proverbs 15:33) into learning the lasting effects that wisdom and foolishness have in our lives (Proverbs 16:1 thru Proverbs 22:16). We must learn that we will always reap the consequences of our behavior. This is the process of indoctrination that is a vital part of our spiritual journey.

As we look for signposts within this passage that confirm this theme, we find them in Proverbs 16:6 and Proverbs 19:23, which tell us that the fear of the Lord brings forgiveness of our sins and it delivers us from the visitation of evil that judges the wicked.

Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

Proverbs 19:23, “ The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”

It is interesting to note that the opening chapter of this lengthy passage begins with the theme of the sovereignty of God. This passage is place at this place on our journey in order that we might learn that God's ways always prevail over man's ways and that we must always reap what we sow.

Therefore, the truths in Proverbs 16:1 to Proverbs 22:16 are a little deeper in meaning that the previous section of Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 15:33. On our journey in Proverbs 10-15, we have seen how a man can make choices that will identify his character. Now, beginning in chapter 16, we take a deeper lesson in life in order to see a bigger picture. Although the outcome in life rests upon our daily choices, we must learn that God intervenes in our lives in order to include us into His divine plan for all of His creation, and for all of mankind. This means that God has a plan for you and me in particular.

Then, we see a signpost at Proverbs 22:4 as an indication that this phase of learning is ending. Note:

Proverbs 22:4, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”

Therefore, Proverbs 22:4 does not describe the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1 thru Proverbs 9:18), nor the instruction of wisdom (Proverbs 10:1 thru Proverbs 15:33), but rather the effects of applying wisdom to our lives. That is, wisdom brings to us the full rewards of riches, honour and life.

Verse 5

Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 16:5 “though hand join in hand” Comments - The Hebrew phrase ( יָד לְיָד ) literally means, “hand to hand.” The KJV brings out the idea of a handshake in this phrase. Scholars give several interpretations for the phrase “hand in hand,” which determines how one contrasts Proverbs 11:21.

(1) The Handing Down from One Generation to the Other - First, the phrase “hand in hand” may carry the concept of handing down from one generation to the other, which contrasts well with the “seed of the righteous” in the second part of the verse. JFB quotes Mercer, DeDieu, and Maurer, who believe that this phrase refers to the succession of parents and children. [105] KD refer to Bottcher, who interprets the phrase “hand to hand” to means, “from one hand to another.” [106] Just as the seed of the righteous will benefit from these blessings, so will the descendants of the wicked find punishment. E. H. Plumpter says, “From hand to hand, from one generation to another, punishment shall descend on the evil doers.” [107] Note this principle in Exodus 20:5-6.

[105] Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Proverbs, in Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database (Seattle, WA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1997), in P.C. Study Bible, v. 3.1 [CD-ROM] (Seattle, WA: Biblesoft Inc., 1993-2000), comments on Proverbs 11:21.

[106] C. F. Keil, and F. Delitzsch, Proverbs, in Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament: New Updated Edition, Electronic Database (Seattle, WA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1996), in P.C. Study Bible, v. 3.1 [CD-ROM] (Seattle, WA: Biblesoft Inc., 1993-2000), comments on Proverbs 11:21.

[107] E. H. Plumpter, Proverbs, in The Holy Bible According to the Authorized Version (A.D. 1611), with an Explanation and Critical Commentary and a Revision of the Translation, by Bishops and Clergy of the Anglican Church, vol. 4, ed. F. C. Cook (London: John Murray, 1873), 560.

Exodus 20:5-6, “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”

The blessings of the righteous will forever be handed down to his descendants as it brings never-ending blessings from one generation to the next; but the punishment that God hands down to the wicked will cut off their seed after the fourth generation and thus, purge the world of this wickedness. For example, Jesus Christ gave His blessings to twelve apostles. The blessings from the Gospel of Jesus have been handed down for thousands of years, and even into eternity. In contrast, the Lord cut off Ahab and other wicked leaders in Israel in their fourth generation.

(2) God Hands Down His Divine Judgment - John Gill quotes Jarchi’s (Rashi’s) interpretation of Proverbs 11:21, which says, “ from the hand of the Holy One, blessed be He, to his hand shall come to him his wage, and he will not be cleansed of the evil that he committed.” [108] In other words, this phrase would mean that God hands down His divine judgment from His hand into the hand of the sinners.

[108] John Gill, 1 Kings, in John Gill’s Expositor, in e-Sword, v. 7.7.7 [CD-ROM] (Franklin, Tennessee: e-Sword, 2000-2005), comments on comments on Proverbs 11:21; The Complete Jewish Bible with Rashi Commentary, ed. A. J. Rosenberg (New York: The Judaica Press Company, 1963) [on-line]; accessed 13 December 2009; available from http//www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16445/showrashi/true; Internet, comments on Proverbs 11:21.

(3) A Handshake and a Covenant - This phrase may carry the idea of a handshake and a covenant. JFB says, “The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment.” [109] It would mean that the wicked may have many joined in agreement, but this will not protect him from divine wrath. It refers to the protection that comes in the ancient societies from joining in league and covenants with neighbours. This practice of covenant making was the best assurance of protection against other warlords and bands of marauders.

[109] Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Proverbs, in Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database (Seattle, WA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1997), in P.C. Study Bible, v. 3.1 [CD-ROM] (Seattle, WA: Biblesoft Inc., 1993-2000), comments on Proverbs 11:21.

(4) The Concept of Certainty - Most modern translations interpret this phrase “hand to hand” to be a Hebrew idiom that means, “You have my word on it.” Thus, it refers to a pledge made in a handshake, giving the figurative interpretation “certainly.” KD prefer to side with Ewald’s view that this phrase refers to a pledge or a guarantee. They quote Job 17:3 as an example. [110]

[110] C. F. Keil, and F. Delitzsch, Proverbs, in Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament: New Updated Edition, Electronic Database (Seattle, WA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1996), in P.C. Study Bible, v. 3.1 [CD-ROM] (Seattle, WA: Biblesoft Inc., 1993-2000), comments on Proverbs 11:21.

Job 17:3, “Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me ?”

Thus, the idea of a promise, a guarantee, or a certainty that something will come to pass is implied. Note how many versions translate this phrase with this idea:

BBE, “ Certainly the evil-doer will not go free from punishment, but the seed of the upright man will be safe.”

HNV, “ Most assuredly , the evil man will not be unpunished, But the seed of the righteous will be delivered.”

JPS, “ My hand upon it! the evil man shall not be unpunished; but the seed of the righteous shall escape.”

NIV, “ Be sure of this : The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.”

We find this same entire Hebrew phrase in Proverbs 16:5 ( יָד לְיָד לֹא־יִנָּקֶה ).

Proverbs 16:5, “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished .”

Note how other translations of Proverbs 16:5 carry the idea of certainty.

Brenton, “ Every one that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless.”

DRC, “Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord: though hand should be joined to hand , he is not innocent.”

JPS, “ Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; my hand upon it! he shall not be unpunished.”

NIV, “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this : They will not go unpunished.”

(5) The Making of Unjust Agreements - The LXX says that this phrase refers to people who make “unjust” agreements with others bringing punishment upon themselves.

Brenton, “He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished: but he that sows righteousness he shall receive a faithful reward.”

Verses 10-15

Proverbs 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

Proverbs 16:10 Comments - At this place in the journey through life, a man not only begins to see God’s divine hand of intervention in the affairs of mankind (Proverbs 16:1-9), even in his own life, because he is now learning to recognize these event, but he now begins to realize how God gives divine insight to people who have been given positions of authority over others. If he has learned to honor God, then he must now learn to honor those whom God has placed in positions of authority.

How many times have I seen as an employee and then as a supervisor, the hand of God in my daily work. The boss walks in when I relax, convicting me of sin, or I have a word of knowledge or a dream about co-workers or employees; or, perhaps I opened my mouth and words of wisdom come out that I had not been thinking about.

Note other Scriptures that confirm the divine insight that God gives to rulers.

Romans 13:1-4, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good . But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

1 Peter 2:13-14, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well .”

Note also that the Scriptures tell us to pray for leaders so that they will be given divine insight in their ministry.

1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Proverbs 16:14 Illustration - An illustration is found in Daniel chapter 2, where Daniel appeased the wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar by giving him the interpretation of his dream.

Verses 21-33

Proverbs 16:21 “and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning” Comments - Keith Moore teaches that the sweetness of the lips represents the truths of God's Word being spoken in love. He says that the degree of love that one ministers in determines the degree of gifts and revelation that will flow out of the one who is ministering the Word of God. [113]

[113] Keith Moore, interviewed by Kenneth Copeland, Believer’s Voice of Victory (Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program.

People respond to the truth much better when it is spoken with “sweet lips.” When a person opens his heart to someone who is speaking to them in love, the anointing begins to easily flow from the minister into a receptive heart. In contrast, a heart that rejects God's Word spoken harshly will not draw out the anointing from the minister.

As an altar worker in the church for seven years, how often I have ministered to people with a receptive heart and found myself flowing with inspired words and the gifts of the Spirit. I have also been is situations where I had little to say because someone's heart was not receptive.

We are to speak the truth, but it is much more effective when we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Proverbs 16:22 Word Study on “understanding” Gesenius says the Hebrew word “understanding” ( שֶׂכֶל ) (H7922) means, “understanding, intelligence, prudence.” Strong says it means, “intelligence, success.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 16 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “understanding 7, Wisdom 3, wise 1, prudence 1, knowledge 1, sense 1, discretion 1, policy 1.”

Strong says ( שֶׂכֶל ) (H7922) comes from the primitive root ( שָׂכַל ) (H7919), which means, “to be circumspect, and hence, intelligent.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 63 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “understand 12, wise 12, prosper 8, wisely 6, understanding 5, consider 4, instruct 3, prudent 2, skill 2, teach 2, misc 7.”

Comments The Hebrew noun ( שֶׂכֶל ) (H7922) is a key word woven throughout in the book of Proverbs being used six times:

Proverbs 3:4, “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

Proverbs 12:8, “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom : but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.”

Proverbs 13:15, “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.”

Proverbs 16:22, “ Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.”

Proverbs 19:11, “ The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

Proverbs 23:9, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”

This word refers to the ability of a man to think straight in contrast to the person who has a twisted mind.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25 Scripture References Proverbs 16:25 is repeated in Proverbs 14:12.

Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Proverbs 16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

Proverbs 16:26 Comments - A man's hunger drives him to work, in order to feed his own belly. In the spiritual realm, it is an inner desire for the things of God that drives a man to seek and serve the Lord. Those are the people who find the Lord, those who desire him.

BBE, “The desire of the working man is working for him, for his need of food is driving him on.”

JPS, “The hunger of the labouring man laboureth for him; for his mouth compelleth him.”

In Africa, where many economies are underdeveloped, unemployed people find work on a daily basis. When a worker is paid too quickly, he will not return to work the next day, having temporarily satisfied his craving for money. He will not work again until this little money runs out. Therefore, the person hiring the day labourers often waits until the end of the job before paying them.

Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 16:28 Word Study on “whisperer” Strong says the Hebrew word “whisperer” ( נֵרָגַן ) (H5372) means, “a slanderer,” and it comes from an unused root that means, “to roll (to pieces).”

Comments - Note other verses in Proverbs that use this same Hebrew word.

Proverbs 18:8, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Proverbs 26:20, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer , the strife ceaseth.”

Proverbs 26:22, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

Proverbs 16:29 Word Study on “enticeth” Gesenius says the Hebrew word “entice” ( פָּתָה ) (H6601) means, “to spread out, to open, to be roomy.” Strong says this primitive root word literally means, “to open, to be roomy.” In a mental or moral sense, it is used figuratively to mean, “to be made simple or to delude.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 28 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “entice 10, deceive 8, persuade 4, flatter 2, allure 1, enlarge 1, silly one 1, silly 1.” From this same primitive root comes the much-used word “simple” ( פֶּתִי ) (H6612), which is found 15 times in the book of Proverbs of its 19 Old Testament uses.

Proverbs 16:29 Comments - We first encounter this violent individual in the opening passages of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:10-19), where he is enticing the simple one to commit acts of violence with him.

Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31 “The hoary head is a crown of glory” Comments - A 69-year man once told me that gray hair is the Lords way of causing a man to bloom or blossom forth, i.e., gray hair is lovely to be had. Not every one reaches their years to blossom forth, he said.

Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.