Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 16

Verse 1

Pro 16:1

Proverbs 16:1

"The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah."

"A man may think what he will say, but at the moment the word comes to him from the Eternal.” "People make their plans, but it is the Lord who makes those things happen.” "This proverb is identical in meaning with Proverbs 16:9, and with our saying that, `man proposes; God disposes.’”

Proverbs 16:1. These first seven verses are all “religious” maxims, for they all contain the name “Jehovah”. The “answer of the tongue” appears to be set over against the “plans of the heart”. If so, the saying would refer to those times when a person’s plans become altered by providence so that he ends up doing something else. There is a marvelous teaching here for those who believe in God’s providential leadership. See Proverbs 16:9 also. When we pray, “Thy will, not mine, be done,” God may alter our thoughts either in a minor or a major way. Your writer can testify to this as he had personal well-laid vocational plans in life, and yet he believed that it was God’s will for him to say, “Lord, I will devote my life to preaching your Word.”

Verses 1-33

Pro 16:1-33

Observations concerning Life and Conduct (Proverbs 16:1-33):

"The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah" (Proverbs 16:1). Young’s Literal Translation reads, "Of man are arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue." Man has been given the ability to "plan" (i.e., think, reason, choose, set objectives, have opinions, and a conscience). When man speaks his words reveal that which is dear to his heart. If wisdom is the "principle thing" in his life (Proverbs 4:7) and the "apple of his eye" (Proverbs 7:2) then divinely authorized words will flow out. Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks... good men speak good things and evil men speak evil things" (Matthew 12:34-35). Jesus tells us that what comes out of a mouth identifies the man’s heart as either good or evil (see Matthew 15:17-20). God governs the tongue by His divine standard. Those who love him and instruction will have their words trained by a heart of wisdom.

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weighs the spirits" (Proverbs 16:2). Solomon had wrote, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkens unto counsel" (Proverbs 12:15). Again, he writes, "There is a way which seems right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). The fool, unfortunately, measures his self by his own standards. The true measure of right and wrong belongs to the scales of Jehovah’s standard.

"Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established" (Proverbs 16:3). God’s divine standard determines right from wrong. Those whose "works" (i.e., their plans, conscience, and purposes) are trained by God’s standard will have a right view of good and evil. God’s word can keep one from a deluded state of mind (i.e., viewing things as clean when they really are not). The plea is to commit all that one does to Jehovah and His standard so that what you plan will be pre-established as right.

"Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil" (Proverbs 16:4). One may conclude from this verse that God creates some evil and some good (theory of Calvinism). If we follow the context; however, we see that one is evil and suffers because he chooses not to give heed to God’s divine standard. What makes the individual choose the world over God? It seems that their interest is in the things of this life rather than the things of God (see Proverbs 15:21). Solomon is telling us that God has prepared a place for the wicked and righteous to dwell for all eternity. When all is said and done man will reap the rewards for the choices he makes in life. This is the world we live in. A world of consequences that follow our actions (see Proverbs 13:15; Proverbs 15:19).

"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished" (Proverbs 16:5). Chapter 16 flows with continuity. Solomon now identifies the "proud" as one whose plans do not include Jehovah and His divine standard. Here are the people who do things because they feel or think it is the right thing to do (see first three verses). What arrogance and what a daring spirit. When one ignores divine instructions for their own ways the seek to usurp the authority that belongs to Jehovah God alone. Its no wander that pride is an abomination to God (Proverbs 6:17; Proverbs 15:25). Solomon tells us that it matters not that wicked and prideful men join hand in hand to do wickedness it remains wicked and will not go unpunished. Sometimes people think that just because many people are participating in something it must be ok to do. Not so, God’s divine standard determines right from wrong rather than a majority rules concept.

"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil" (Proverbs 16:6). While sin separates one from Jehovah His truth and mercy "atone" or reconcile (see Proverbs 15:29). Truth explains what one must do to experience atonement and when one receives such instructions God’s mercy is there. The study of Proverbs has revealed that only the man or woman with an understanding, prudent, or wise heart will receive instruction. Said ones are obviously the only ones to receive God’s mercy and atonement because they are the only ones who will humbly receive His instructions. When one receives instruction they obtain a healthy "fear of Jehovah." This fear of Jehovah will cause a man to "depart from evil" due to its consequences (see Proverbs 3:7). When one’s "works" or "plans" include God they will not only fearfully submit to His divine will but they will also humbly seek His divine mercy when they falter. Not so with the proud.

"When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7). A man pleases Jehovah as he walks by His divine standard rather than doing those things which are an abomination to the Lord (see Proverbs 16:5 above). His attitude is "not my will by thy will be done." God’s ways are ways that keep man from trouble in this life. The righteous have no trouble with the man of greed, cheaters, adulterers, and so forth because they do not make friends with such people (out of sight out of mind) (see Proverbs 1:10-15; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Secondly, peace is experienced because none of the godly man’s works can be condemned. The apostle Paul wrote, "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:23). No law (or person) can condemn a man who walks justly and righteously.

"Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice" (Proverbs 16:8). At Proverbs 15:16 Solomon wrote, "Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, than great treasure and trouble therewith." Not only is it better to have little without trouble but it is also better to have little by obtaining what you have justly than having much due to you unjust acts. Greater satisfaction comes with making gains honestly rather than with dishonesty.

"A man’s heart devises his way; But Jehovah directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). God gave man the power to make "plans" and "work" (Proverbs 16:1-3). It is the proud fool that seeks to direct his own path in this life rather than looking to God’s standard. One that would say, "It seems to me that the church ought to do this and that work... or its my opinion that the church should be doing this or than... or I am of the position that says this or that..." God’s people are to say, "Thus saith Jehovah" rather than "I think, its my opinon, I’m of the position...etc." Jeremiah said that it is not within a man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). While some men may conjure up their own ways in this life it is Jehovah alone that divinely directs man to the path of righteousness (see Proverbs 16:2 above).

"A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment. A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. In the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain" (Proverbs 16:10-15). The natural course for kings (magistrates in civil control) is justice and equity (this is his divinely appointed position) (see Proverbs 8:15). The king has at his disposal "a just balance and scale" (i.e., God’s divine will to guide him in all his decision making processes). Seeing that God ordains the positions of civil authority (see also Romans 13:1 ff) it is thereby an abomination for that which should represent justice to perform abominable works (pride, faulty scales, extorting people with high taxes, passing laws that affront the will of God, ext.). The king that rules rightly will love the lips of those who tell the truth and there will be nothing for such truth tellers to fear. The unjust lawbreakers will experience the king’s great wrath yet the truth speakers who seek out righteousness will see no such wrath (see Proverbs 14:35). When man does what is civilly correct they will benefit from the government.

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver" (Proverbs 16:16). This verse sums up all said to this point of the chapter. A study of Proverbs reveals the value of wisdom (prudence, discretion, understanding). Wisdom is better than gold and silver because such will lead one to God’s mercy through giving heed to instruction. Worldly treasures have only the amount of life that its owners have. Wisdom will keep one out of trouble with the wicked. Wisdom will keep one from the strange woman of adultery. Wisdom will keep one out of trouble with the civil authorities. Wisdom will keep one with food on the table and clothing to wear because of a diligent work ethic. Wisdom will cause one to be happy and also make others happy. Wisdom will keep others from falling into the pit falls of sin. Wisdom is truly the better way of life. This is why it is to be the principle thing (Proverbs 4:7) and the apple of thine eye (Proverbs 7:2).

"The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keeps his way preserves his soul" (Proverbs 16:17). We have seen in this study that it is those who "fear Jehovah" that depart from evil (see Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 16:6) because they hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). We have also seen that it is the wise who will "depart from evil" (see Proverbs 14:16). The fool will not depart from evil because this is where he gets his joy in life (see Proverbs 13:19; Proverbs 15:21). The wise man who hates evil and departs from it will seek to preserve his own soul by such decisions rather than destroy it (see Proverbs 15:32). The highway to heaven is the way of wisdom.

"Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:18-19). The highway of life that is directed by self rather than divine wisdom leads one to destruction. One might refer to it as the "highway to hell." Recall that Solomon revealed that God would root up all the proud of heart (see Proverbs 15:25). Pride is equated to evil (Proverbs 8:13) and shame (Proverbs 11:2). The proud heart is one that is a source of contention among men (Proverbs 13:10). God hates or abhors the proud and haughty spirit (see Proverbs 6:17). Those who love folly, destruction, and falling from God’s favor will continue in their spirit of pride and arrogance. It is the proud man who chooses his own way in life rather than take the way of God. It is the proud that elevate themselves above God’s laws so that they sit in the seat of God’s divine and authoritative position (see 2 Thessalonians 2:4). There is nothing good to look forward to by being proud. Solomon thereby tells us that it is better to be of a "lowly spirit with the poor." It is the humble of heart that will seek out understanding (see Proverbs 9:8-9; Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 16:6).

"He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he" (Proverbs 16:20). The book of Proverbs, like other books in the Bible, builds upon topics to the point of the student gaining a thorough understanding of the subject under consideration. When one looks upon the entirety of God’s word on any given subject there is even greater understanding (good introduction statement). It is the wise (prudent, discretion, man of understanding heart) that receive instruction and put it into application in their lives (see Proverbs 1:2-3; Proverbs 1:7 etc.). The further we delve into Proverbs the greater our understanding of the value of wisdom, the fear of God, and giving heed to all that God intends for us to obey. Such an approach to life will bring happiness because we are content in this life to know that the Lord’s mercy belongs to us.

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increases learning" (Proverbs 16:21). The wise hate evil, love instruction, love their own souls, and are "called prudent" (i.e., using discretion and foreknowledge). The wise base their plans and work in divine revelation and thereby use foresight when making decisions. The wise will asks themselves questions such as, "Am I doing this deed because God authorizes it or because I feel, think, am of the opinion or position to do it?". Knowledge and understanding are sweet to this man and so he increases learning (learns more and more as time goes on).

"Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly" (Proverbs 16:22). Understanding belongs to those who love instruction, see wisdom as the principle thing in this life, and has it as the apple of their eye. Such a one has life rather than the death of Sheol and Abbaddon. Young’s Literal Translation states, "The instruction of fools is folly." Remember, it is the fool who cannot stand to be told he is wrong. He wants no part of instruction. He is the man or woman who does things based upon what they feel right for themselves. This is the man of pride. Self is God rather than Jehovah God. To instruct those who have proven themselves to be such is indeed folly. Jesus said, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you" (Matthew 7:6).

"The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:23-24). The way of the wise is instruction and adding learning to one’s heart. This man will gain understanding which will be sweet to his soul. What makes one this way? Is it not because they have been shown the destruction of the soul that belongs to those who reject instruction and obedience (see 13:13; 15:11-12)? The foolish who give no heed to instruction are what they are because they love self more than God. Both their prideful will and personal desires are elevated above the will of .

"There is a way which seems right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25). This exact statement is made at Proverbs 14:12 and complementary statements made at Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 16:2). Here is the man who forsakes all mercy toward his soul. Here is the man who seeks out his way in life by his own prescribed ways rather than God’s revealed pattern. Here is one who bases the eternal abode of his soul on his opinions. This man is full of pride and arrogance. Why is this man not interested in divinely revealed instruction? He is not interested because he believes he can find his way in this life on his own. This is the spirit of pride and rebellion. What brings about pride and rebellion in a child? Is it a lack of instruction by a father? Is it a lack of a solid upbringing? Is he a rebellious son due to the environment of his youth? Do we not all choose the directions we take in life (see Proverbs 1:28-30; Proverbs 3:31; Proverbs 8:10; Proverbs 16:4). Once we choose one certain direction can we not change that path? The wise will always depart from evil and the moment they do not choose righteousness over evil is the point in which they become fools (see Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 16:17). The fool does his folly because this is his joy in life (Proverbs 13:19; Proverbs 15:21). He believes this way to be the right way for him (see this verse). But can the fool change? If not why the book of Proverbs (see Proverbs 1:20 ff)?

"The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; For his mouth urges him thereto" (Proverbs 16:26). A man who labors for food is not a sloth. This man’s motivation is not only to stay out of trouble by an honest day of work but to bring food to his hungry mouth. If he chooses not to labor he chooses not to eat.

"A worthless man devises mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire. A perverse man scatters abroad strife; And a whisperer separates chief friends. A man of violence entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. He that shuts his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresses his lips brings evil to pass" (Proverbs 16:27-30). The man of pride who seeks to direct his own paths in life is now identified as "worthless, perverse, and a man of violence." This arrogant man literally scorches the faith of others with his tongue. His reckless use of the tongue endears him to gossip and a separating of best friends. He cares not because the only thing that matters in life is me. Those who engage in gossip have the power to separate even the best of friends.

"The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31). The natural state of mind of the man who has reached an age of gray hair is the way of righteousness or wisdom. Unfortunately many do not follow the natural course of action as God intends. Leviticus 19:32 commands that honor be given to such a man who has obtained the identity of "old man" (see 2 Chronicles 36:17; Proverbs 20:29).

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that rules his spirit, than he that takes a city" (Proverbs 16:32). Solomon has said that anger belongs to fools (see Ecclesiastes 7:9; Proverbs 14:7). Those who are slow to anger have been identified as have great understanding (Proverbs 14:29) and able to appease strife (Proverbs 15:18).

While the mighty may appear to be those who are loud and angry the true mighty are those who are able to exercise self-control over anger.

"The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah" (Proverbs 16:33). The meaning of this verse is similar to Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 16:3. Man often makes plans and purposes to do things yet it is God whose will determines the eternal state of the soul. Though God created man with the ability to plan and purpose man must conform his will to the will of God.

Verse 2

Pro 16:2

Proverbs 16:2

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits."

Toy’s paraphrase of this is: "Although a man’s actions may seem right to him, ignorant and prejudiced though he is, yet the final judgment on his deeds comes from God.” This corresponds with Paul’s declaration that, "I know nothing against myself; yet I am not hereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4:4).

Proverbs 16:2. Proverbs 21:2 is very similar. The heart can be so deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9) that it often deceives the person himself into thinking he is right when he is wrong (Proverbs 30:12). Laodicea had its own estimation of itself, but Christ weighed them and found them wanting (Revelation 3:17-18). If we practice self-justification in the eyes of people (Luke 16:15), in time we may come to deceive ourselves into thinking we are all right even though we have not obeyed God’s commandments (James 1:22).

Verse 3

Pro 16:3

Proverbs 16:3

"Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established."

"I consider that work as good as done, that trial as good as borne, which I have solemnly committed to God in prayer.” "Deo Volente" (God willing)should be understood as the invariable condition, whether stated or not, that finally determines any mortal achievement. See James 4:15.

Proverbs 16:3. This verse is very similar to Psalms 37:5 : “Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.” The promise of Psalms 37:4 is: “Delight thyself also in Jehovah: And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.” God does not always overrule our purposes (He wouldn’t unless they are wrong or unless He had some special plan for us), but it is His blessing that makes our plans and purposes come to pass.

Verse 4

Pro 16:4

Proverbs 16:4

"Jehovah hath made every thing for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil."

Yes indeed, God needs even the wicked. A woman once asked Adam Clarke, "Why does not God just kill all the wicked people and allow us righteous to build a heaven right here on earth"? Clarke replied, "Lady, if God were to be so foolish as to do that, there would not be enough righteous people left to keep the lions and tigers from eating up the human race"!

Proverbs 16:4. Jehovah had something definite in mind for everything He created, and if men do not fulfill His loving will, He will use them in another sense as recipients of His just wrath because of their sins. God was as glorified in His overthrow of Pharaoh as He was in His deliverance of Israel (Exodus 9:16). God is as glorified in the “vessels of wrath” as He is in the “vessels of mercy” (Romans 9:22-23), only in a different way. Yes, He would much rather be glorified by showing mercy, but if man will not so glorify God, He will be glorified in His just wrath.

Verse 5

Pro 16:5

Proverbs 16:5

"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand he shall not be unpunished."

The first clause here is identical with that of Proverbs 11:20; and the second clause with that of Proverbs 11:21. This second clause means, "My hand on it," or "assuredly." Toy translated this: "The proud man is an abomination to Yahweh; he will assuredly not go unpunished.”

Proverbs 16:5. Again we have a saying showing God’s abomination for pride. In comparison to God and His works, man is nothing (Psalms 8:3-4; Psalms 39:4-5). Even whole nations of the earth are “nothing” in comparison with Him (Isaiah 40:15; Isaiah 40:17). What each of us has, we should not boast of it, for we have received it (1 Corinthians 4:7). Regardless of the area of our lives that we might be considering, before God “boasting is excluded” (Romans 3:27). Other passages against pride: Proverbs 6:16-17; Luke 18:11-14; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 John 2:16). The last part of our present verse is found in Proverbs 11:21 also, meaning that no matter how many alliances proud man may make, God can overthrow them all. Nor is there safety in “numbers” when God arises to punish the multitude of the wicked.

Verse 6

Pro 16:6

Proverbs 16:6

"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil."

"Mercy and truth, no matter how diligently practiced, cannot alone be the ground of salvation from sin, except in the sense that they might be a sign of true repentance and conversion to God’s will.” "What can take away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus"! This rendition: "Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for.” This is correct with an expanded definition of `faithfulness.’

Proverbs 16:6. God is in both parts of man’s salvation: His fear causes man to depart from evil, and His mercy and truth atone for the sin that has been dropped. “Mercy” is that attribute of God that exhibits itself in our forgiveness; “truth” stands for the way that He has set up for us to come to Him for His forgiveness. “Fear” is a deterrent to sin; to crime, and to misbehavior (Proverbs 14:16).

Verse 7

Pro 16:7

Proverbs 16:7

"When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

"When you please the Lord, you can make your enemies into friends.” "When a man’s ways please the Eternal, he makes even his foes friends with him.” A genuine Christian is the most lovable personality in human life.

Proverbs 16:7. It is not normal for enemies to be at peace with those whom they hate. There have been instances where God has so blessed individuals that his enemies so respected him or so feared him that they caused him no trouble. Such was true of Israel in Solomon’s days (1 Kings 4:20-21; 1 Kings 4:24-25). Such caused the Gibeonites to seek peace with Joshua and Israel (Joshua 9:9-11). Such caused Abimilech and the men of Gerar to seek Isaac’s peace (Genesis 26:26-29).

Verse 8

Pro 16:8

Proverbs 16:8

"Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues, with injustice."

Many of the proverbs touch this admonition that men should be satisfied with `little,’ and that they should restrain their greed for more. "Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:8).

Proverbs 16:8. This should be a great passage to keep in mind when one is tempted to take a high-paying job or to get into a lucrative business that is not right. We know that taverns, theaters, gambling casinos, and other businesses connected with evil can make their owners or operators sizable sums, but it is better to work at something else that makes less money. Compare this verse with Psalms 37:16 and Proverbs 15:16. Christians are commanded to work at divinely-approved jobs (Ephesians 4:28; Titus 3:8—especially the marginal note on the latter). Remember, too, that “righteousness” is to be sought before even the earthly necessities of food, drink, and clothing (Matthew 6:33).

Verse 9

Pro 16:9

Proverbs 16:9

"A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps."

This is parallel with Proverbs 16:1. See our comment there.

Proverbs 16:9. This is but one of several passages that bear out the thought that “man proposes, but God disposes.” See Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 37:23; Proverbs 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23. These verses emphasize a most precious truth: the providence and leadership of God in our lives. The song writer has tried to put into words both the belief and the feeling of our hearts when he wrote, “He leadeth me; Oh, blessed thought! Oh, words with heavenly comfort fraught!” We should pray for this leadership, follow it, and thank God for it constantly. It is one of the Christian’s greatest treasures.

Verse 10

Pro 16:10

Proverbs 16:10

"A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment."

Many of the judgments pronounced by Solomon in the days prior to his apostasy were examples of what is written here. "The Israelites never thought of their kings as infallible; and this verse means merely that true judgment is the duty of kings.”

Proverbs 16:10. God has both instituted government (Romans 13:1-7) and commanded that they rule justly (2 Samuel 23:3; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Proverbs 16:12 of this chapter). When a king does his duty properly, man is being ruled governmentally as God intends, and man should submit to his government’s decrees as he would to God (1 Peter 2:13-14). The latter statement of the verse must be understood in this context; namely, that if he is wisely and righteously doing his kingly duty, his verdicts will be true verdicts.

Verse 11

Pro 16:11

Proverbs 16:11

"A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work."

This verse is the positive side of Proverbs 11:1. "The Lord wants weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair." "God’s stamp is on the standard weights and measures; any unfair practice in trade is against God’s will.”

Proverbs 16:11. God commanded just measurements in business (Leviticus 19:36) and declares that He is pleased with just weights and highly displeased with false ones (Proverbs 11:1). To be right with God one must be honest in business.

Verse 12

Pro 16:12

Proverbs 16:12

"It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness."

The first clause here means that any king who commits wickedness becomes an abomination to God; and the second clause is parallel with the New Testament teaching that reveals, "The powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1).

Proverbs 16:12. Another saying concerning kings. “Pulpit Commentary”: “When a ruler acts justly and wisely, punishes the unruly, rewards the virtuous, acts as God’s vicegerent, and himself sets the example of the character which becomes so high a position, he wins the affection of his people...Law-makers should not be law-breakers.” A ruler should desire the success of his nation; then he should lead it into righteousness: “Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). A king’s rule upon his throne and the power passing to his sons is brought about by a righteous rule upon his and their parts. (Proverbs 25:5; Proverbs 29:14).

Verse 13

Pro 16:13

Proverbs 16:13

"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right."

This should be understood as applicable to good kings, or to an ideal king. "The ideal king takes pleasure in the truth and justice that his subjects display in their conversation.” As Kidner noted, "Of course, all this is true, upon the assumption that the king is in his fight mind.”

Alas, in the history of Israel, in the collective sense, their monarchs were as wicked and reprobate a parade of scoundrels as the world ever witnessed. There were four or five (maybe six) exceptions in their whole history. They more than lived up to the prophecy that Samuel gave concerning Israel’s kings when the idea first was presented (1 Samuel 8:10-18).

Proverbs 16:13. A ruler is concerned about how things are going in his kingdom. For much of this knowledge he is dependent upon the information of others. Inaccurate reporting on their part can be his undoing. So he loves the person who speaks right. In Bible times a king not only ruled but served much like a high judge today (1 Kings 3:16-28). In passing judgment he likewise depended upon the information that he heard from the “witnesses”. He had a special appreciation for those who spoke the truth. Every ruler knows, though, that he must sort out the information he hears into true, false, partly true, partly false, etc. Is it any wonder that when Jesus said to the ruler Pilate, “To this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37), that Pilate remarked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

Verse 14

Pro 16:14

Proverbs 16:14

"The wrath of a king is a messenger of death; But a wise man will pacify it."

Cook pointed out that Proverbs 16:13 speaks of a king as he should be; and this one presents a king as they actually were, "Reminding us of the terrible rapidity with which, in the despotic monarchies of the East, death followed the royal displeasure.” As the second clause indicates, it was the pinnacle of good judgment to avoid, at all costs, the displeasure of any king.

Proverbs 16:14. The king’s wrath is compared to the rage of a roaring lion in Proverbs 19:12; Proverbs 20:2. Various men in Bible times found this to be true: Agag (1 Samuel 15:33); the Amalekite who claimed he had mercifully killed Saul (2 Samuel 1:14-15); Shemei (1 Kings 2:39-46); and many others. “None but a fool will excite the monarch’s resentment” (“Pulpit Commentary”). Proverbs 15:1 says wrath can be pacified with a “soft answer”.

Verse 15

Pro 16:15

Proverbs 16:15

"In the light of the king’s countenance is life And his favor is a cloud of the latter rain."

"If a king’s look is benevolent, this portends life, and his favor is like a cloud promising spring rain.” With a wise and righteous man upon the throne such a situation as this would be tolerable; but the record of earthly kings has reduced the very idea of royalty to shame and contempt on the part of the vast majority of the human race. The great historian Edward Gibbon extolled the monarchy as the best form of government known to men; but, even so, it still remains true that, "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

Proverbs 16:15. Proverbs 19:12 likens the king’s favor to “dew upon the grass”. “The former rain in Palestine falls about the end of October or the beginning of November, when the seed is sown; the latter rain comes in March or April, and is absolutely necessary for the due swelling and ripening of the grain. It is accompanied, of course, with cloud, which tempers the heat, while it brings fertility and vigour” (“Pulpit Commentary”). Queen Esther obtained favor in the sight of King Ahasuerus (Esther 4:11; Esther 5:1-2). Likewise did Jehoiachin obtain the favor of Evil-merodach, king of Babylon (Jeremiah 52:31-34).

Verse 16

Pro 16:16

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver." This truism is universally recognized as the truth; but, as DeHoff said, "It is practiced by very few.”

Proverbs 16:16. Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 8:19 contains statements to the same effect. Wisdom builds the man, gold his holdings. One who gets wisdom may get riches as a result. For those who take a deeper look into this passage, there seems to be an additional comparison; namely, that “wisdom” is actually better than “understanding” as “gold” is greater than “silver”: “An intimation of the superiority of wisdom over intelligence, the former being the guide of life and including the practice of religion, the latter denoting discernment, the faculty of distinguishing between one thing and another” (“Pulpit Commentary”).

Verse 17

Pro 16:17

Proverbs 16:17

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

"The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life.” This promise that length of life is related to righteous living is reiterated in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:1-3). There must needs be exceptions, of course, due to many factors that serve as hindrances to the will of God.

Proverbs 16:17. Proverbs 15:19 shows that the path of the upright is a highway and not a place of thorns as is the way of the sluggard. A “highway” leads from one place to another place. The highway of the upright leaves or goes away from evil, making it a the “way of holiness” (Isaiah 35:8). And one who stays in this way preserves his soul.

Verse 18

Pro 16:18

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."

This is another of the many proverbs denouncing human pride. "Pride brings shame (Proverbs 11:2); humility brings honor (Proverbs 15:33); pride and humility are contrasted (Proverbs 21:24; Proverbs 22:4; and Proverbs 30:13).”

Proverbs 16:18. Pride is when a person is puffed up (1 Corinthians 13:4), when one’s spirit is unduly lifted up within him (Habakkuk 2:4), when one is conceited and thinks more highly of himself than he ought to think (Romans 12:16). Haman (Esther 5:11-12; Esther 7:3-10) and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-33) are good examples of Proverbs 17:19 (“He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction”) and Proverbs 18:12 (“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty”), causing the warning of 1 Corinthians 10:12 to be timely (“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”). “Herodotus”: “Artabanus warned the arrogant Xerxes, ‘Seest thou how God strikes with the thunder animals which overtop others, and suffers them not to vaunt themselves, but the small irritate him not? And seest thou how he hurls his bolts always against the mightiest buildings and the loftiest trees? For God is wont to cut short whatever is too highly exalted’.”

Verse 19

Pro 16:19

Proverbs 16:19

"Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud."

This verse also teaches with regard to the humble and the proud. This mention of the proud dividing the spoil identifies them as not merely proud but wicked also. "It is better to be humble and live with poor people than to share wealth with people who think they are better than other people.”

Proverbs 16:19. “Better” in two senses: One is more righteous to be lowly than proud, and when destruction hits the proud and reduces him to nothing, it is surely ultimately better.

Verse 20

Pro 16:20

Proverbs 16:20

"He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteh in Jehovah, happy is he."

These clauses are parallel. The man that heeds the Word of God is exactly the same man that trusts in Jehovah. A man can do neither without doing both. "There can be no real blessedness in life without one’s trusting in the Lord. Men are so constituted that if their souls are to find rest, they must trust the loving power and wisdom of that Being who is stronger and wiser than themselves.”

Proverbs 16:20. The “word” is the Word of God as the last statement of the verse indicates. To give heed is to pay attention to the Word, to respond properly to the Word. This is to believe its facts, obey its commands, accept its promises, and heed its warnings. Heeding what God says reflects a trust in God, which is the happy, blessed way to live (Psalms 34:8; Psalms 125:1; Jeremiah 17:7). “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Verse 21

Pro 16:21

Proverbs 16:21

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning."

The sweetness of the lips should be understood here as a compliment to the teacher who brings learning to another.

Proverbs 16:21. One usually deserves the reputation he acquires; thus, the wise are called “prudent”. People look to those for leadership and advice whose wisdom they respect and admire. “People listen to instruction at the mouth of one who speaks well and winningly” (“Pulpit Commentary”). The “sweetness” of pleasantness of a person’s speech enables him to impart his knowledge to others who willingly listen.

Verse 22

Pro 16:22

Proverbs 16:22

"Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly."

The thought here is that a person who follows the Word of God will avoid many pitfalls in life; but the fool will never learn except by experience. His only correction shall be when his own folly overthrows him.

Proverbs 16:22. The person whose understanding in Proverbs 16:21 blesses others also has it for his own blessing (this verse). One’s understanding is like an ever-flowing spring (well) from which he can ever drink. But over and over again is the foolish person corrected by his own folly. He is going to “show them” only to be shown up. Oh, the usual conceit of an ignorant person!

Verse 23

Pro 16:23

Proverbs 16:23

"The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips."

"The wise mind makes a meaning clear, and to be a master of words is a further advantage.” "Good sense makes men judicious in their talk; it adds persuasiveness to what they say.” This would be a good motto for salesmen.

Proverbs 16:23. The wise person thinks before he speaks, instructing himself as to what to say, how to say it, when to say it, to whom to say it, and even whether to say it. It is this thinking that adds “learning” to his lips that he would not otherwise have. He “studieth to answer” (Proverbs 15:28) and is sometimes “slow to speak” (James 1:19). Speaking of the heart and the lips of the good man, Matthew 12:35 beautifully says, “The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things.”

Verse 24

Pro 16:24

Proverbs 16:24

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

"Friendly conversation is agreeable and useful. It relaxes the mind, dispels anxiety, provides information, promotes mutual love and kindness, and enables us to return to life’s business with renewed vigor.”

Proverbs 16:24. Another proverb on speech. The ancients’ sweetening was from the honey. Pleasant words are “pure” words (Proverbs 15:26) and “sweet” words (this verse). Pleasant words come from a “sweet” soul and one who is blessed with a healthy outlook, and they bring sweetness to the soul of the hearer and health to him too. Nothing can destroy this sweetness of soul and the consequent health of the body more than angry, hateful, and untrue words.

Verse 25

Pro 16:25

Proverbs 16:25

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death."

(See comment under Proverbs 14:12).

Proverbs 16:25. This same statement is found in Proverbs 14:12. It is probably included twice in the book not by error but for emphasis. In life it is possible to think you are right when you are “dead-wrong.” Many errors occur this way both in religion and in the everyday things of life. This is why we should always be pleased to recheck our conclusions. Even before pulling onto a highway, take one more look after you are sure it is clear—there may be a car coming after all!

Verses 26-27

Pro 16:26-27

Proverbs 16:26-27

"The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him;

For his mouth urgeth him thereto.

A worthless man deviseth mischief;

And in his lips there is a scorching fire."

"His mouth urgeth him thereto" (Proverbs 16:26). The need to earn a living inspires men to work.

"An ungodly man diggeth up evil; and in his lips there is a burning fire.” "The description of agitators in this through Proverbs 16:30 needs little comment.” In this verse, the mischief maker is a gossip. The burning fire in his words is designed to burn up the reputations of other people.

Proverbs 16:26. A laboring man has an appetite. He needs food for strength and for health. He “goes” on food just as an engine does on duel and a fire on wood. But when people don’t work, their food goes to fat, which hinders health. We are told by health authorities to eat more for breakfast and less at night so that we burn up what we eat with work during the day rather than let it go to fat while we sleep at night.

Proverbs 16:27. Somebody is the originator or deviser (cause) of everything that comes to pass. Prompted and empowered by the devil, such a wicked deviser is here said to be “worthless,” and he is as worthless and as destructive with his “lips” as a fire can be to property (James 3:6). Both a “fire” and the “lips” have many useful purposes (fire: heat, cooking, industrial purposes, etc.; the lips: conversation, business, singing, preaching, prayer, etc.); but a person who turns these to wicked, mischievous ends is “worthless” both to God and society. We can get along without them, and God will separate them from himself and from the saved forever.

Verse 28

Pro 16:28

Proverbs 16:28

"A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends."

"Troublemakers are always causing problems; and the person who spreads gossip causes trouble between close friends.”

Proverbs 16:28. Here is the person of Proverbs 16:27 in action. He is “perverse” because he is perverting his time and powers to destructive from constructive possibilities. He is creating and scattering strife abroad, which is contrary to the will and desire of God (Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 26:21; Proverbs 29:22). One of his chief ways of proceeding is to work secretly (“whisperer”). This way he can work quietly, be less detected, and appears to be confiding information to those whom he is approaching. And, oh, the power for evil that this approach has: it separates “chief friends.” Quite an accomplishment, wouldn’t you say! Proverbs 17:9 says that he that “harpeth” on a matter can also separate chief friends.

Verse 29

Pro 16:29

Proverbs 16:29

"A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good."

Behold here the wickedness of the violent man. He is the incarnation of Unbelief. "He robs God, takes life without paying for it, blasphemes the Maker on his throne, stares broadly at the truth when he hears it, and flouts it as if he never heard of it. Unbelief is violence."! "Such sons of the devil take pleasure in seducing the virtuous from the way of life. Just as there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, there is malicious joy in hell when such a seducer turns any one from the straight and narrow way.”

Proverbs 16:29. Another proverb on misusing one’s power for the harm of others. This time he is inviting his neighbor to join him (“enticeth” him, as if it is a good thing to do). If he joins him, he is being led into a way that is not good; actually he is “misled”. It was this very thing that Proverbs 1:10 was warning against (“If sinners entice thee, consent thou not”). Notice the “violence” that was planned (Proverbs 1:11-14); it was a program of gain by wrong means. We are told in Proverbs 1:15 : “Walk not thou in the way with them; Refrain thy foot from their path.”

Verse 30

Pro 16:30

Proverbs 16:30

"He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass."

"One who winks his eye plans perverse things; one who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.” Frankenberg has this various reading, "He who fixes his eyes devises falsities, and marks out all evils with his lips. He is a furnace of wickedness." As the passage stands in our version, the meaning is unclear.

Proverbs 16:30. As you behold one sitting with closed eyes and closed mouth, he does not look like the “factory of evil” that he is. While he looks like he is resting and “taking it easy,” he is actually devising “perverse things” and working to bring “evil” to pass,

Verse 31

Pro 16:31

Proverbs 16:31

"The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness."

The meaning must most certainly be, IF it is gained in a righteous life.

Proverbs 16:31. The “hoary” head refers to the white hair of old age. It is said here to be a “crown of glory” (compare Proverbs 20:29). White hair, then, is not something to be ashamed of, for it should be a mark of distinction (Leviticus 19:32). The latter statement of our verse bears out the fact that many are more righteous in old age than in younger years (especially if they have been given religious training in childhood). Some who are wild and utterly neglectful of God settle down to the serious side of life later. A “Gallup Poll” found that the largest group of Bible-readers were 55 years old and older.

Verse 32

Pro 16:32

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"

The teaching here is simply that a person who can take charge of his own conduct, discipline and command his own behavior, having complete control of his appetites and passions - that man is greater than any world conqueror or military hero.

Proverbs 16:32. A person who is “slow to anger” is a person of good judgment, one who exhausts his ability to overlook and explain the possible “why’s” and “wherefore’s” of another’s displeasing action who finally faces the downright evil that the other person has done. This virtue is praised (Proverbs 19:11) and commanded (James 1:19), and one is disqualified from being an elder in the church without it (Titus 1:7). Such rules his own “spirit”; and some who can take cities (conquerors) and do all kinds of physical feats of power (like Samson) cannot rule themselves successfully. “Clarke”: “It is much easier to subdue the enemy without than the one within...Alexander, who conquered the world, was a slave to intemperate anger, and in a fit of it slew Clytus, the best and most intimate of all his friends.”

Verse 33

Pro 16:33

Proverbs 16:33

"The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah"

Making decisions by the casting of lots was widely practiced in the Old Testament; and even in the early days of the New Testament, Matthias was chosen to the apostleship by the casting of lots. "Casting lots was an ancient practice, animated by faith in God’s government of the world.”

"Following the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the apostles never resorted to casting lots; and the Christian Church has wisely repudiated the practice altogether.”

Proverbs 16:33. “Pulpit Commentary”: “It is not quite clear what articles the Jews used in their deviations by lot. Probably they employed stones, differing in shape or color or having some distinguishing mark...The Jew...did not feel justified in resorting to this practice on every trivial occasion...The lot was employed religiously in cases where other means of decision were not suitable.” The soldiers who crucified Jesus cast lots to determine who got what piece of His clothing (Mark 15:24; John 19:23-24). The apostles used it in determining who would succeed Judas (Acts 1:26). No more often than we read of this in the Bible (though handy it would have been to use often), we conclude that it was not commonplace even then. This was evidently something that God arranged for His Old Testament people that we do not read about in the New Testament. If we lack wisdom, we are not taught to “draw straws” or use some other method of casting lots but to pray and trust that God’s leadership will be had (James 1:5).

Proverbs of Solomon - Proverbs 16:1-33

Open It

1. What are some plans you have made?

2. How important do you think a person’s motives are?

3. On what sort of news do you and your friends like to keep up?

Explore It

4. What topics are discussed in this chapter? (Proverbs 16:1-33)

5. How is God described? (Proverbs 16:1-33)

6. What is said about God’s sovereignty? (Proverbs 16:1-33)

7. What is said in these proverbs about speech? (Proverbs 16:1-33)

8. What does the Lord consider? (Proverbs 16:2)

9. What happens to the person who commits to the Lord what he or she does? (Proverbs 16:3)

10. What does the Lord work out for His own ends? (Proverbs 16:4)

11. Who determines a person’s steps? (Proverbs 16:9)

12. What did Solomon say about kings? (Proverbs 16:12-15)

13. What is better than gold and silver? (Proverbs 16:16)

14. What does pride precede? (Proverbs 16:18)

15. What is so good about pleasant words? (Proverbs 16:24)

16. What does gossip do? (Proverbs 16:28)

Get It

17. What is the difference between being proud and having self-confidence?

18. How do our plans and choices in life interact with God’s plans and choices?

19. Why should people make plans if God is sovereign?

20. What did Solomon mean by, "the Lord works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster"?

21. Why are motives so important to God?

22. Why do you think a person can have or cannot have pure motives for doing something?

23. How does a person commit himself or herself to the Lord?

24. In what way does the person who commits himself or herself to the Lord succeed?

25. When has gossip come between you and a good friend?

26. What should we do whenever we find ourselves in the middle of a conversation laced with gossip?

27. How are wisdom and instruction more valuable than gold and silver?

28. How can a person demonstrate commitment to the Lord?

Apply It

29. What can you do this week to purify your motives?

30. In what situations do you want to remember to restrain gossip about others this week?

31. What pleasant words can you speak today?