Worthy.Bible » ASV » Proverbs » Chapter 16 » Verse 7

Proverbs 16:7 American Standard (ASV)

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

Cross Reference

Genesis 32:6-7 ASV

And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;

Acts 9:1-2 ASV

But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:19-20 ASV

and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus. And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.

Commentary on Proverbs 16 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 16

Pr 16:1-33.

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."

2. clean—or, "faultless."

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

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

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

5. (Compare Pr 3:32).

6. By mercy and truth—that is, God's (Ps 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 Le 16:33; Isa 27:9, Hebrew).

7. Persecutions, of course, excepted.

8. (Compare Pr 15:6, 16, 17).

9. (Compare Pr 16:3).

directeth—establisheth.

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

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

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

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

14. This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (1Ki 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.

15. light of … countenance—favor (Ps 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 (De 11:14).

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

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

keepeth—observes.

18, 19. (Compare Pr 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence

a fall—literally, "sliding."

19. divide the spoil—that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jas 4:6).

20. handleth a matter—wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pr 13:13).

trusteth—(Compare Ps 2:12; 118:8, 9).

21. wise in heart—who rightly consider duty.

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

22. Understanding—or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (Pr 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.

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

24. (Compare Pr 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.

25. (Compare Pr 14:2).

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

27. ungodly man—(Compare Pr 6:12).

diggeth up evil—labors for it.

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

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

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

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

enticeth—(Pr 1:10).

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

moving his lips—or, "biting his lips"—a determined purpose (Pr 6:13).

31. (Compare Pr 20:29).

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

32. (Compare Pr 14:29).

taketh a city—that is, by fighting.

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