1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
1 The preparations H4633 of the heart H3820 in man, H120 and the answer H4617 of the tongue, H3956 is from the LORD. H3068
2 All the ways H1870 of a man H376 are clean H2134 in his own eyes; H5869 but the LORD H3068 weigheth H8505 the spirits. H7307
3 Commit H1556 thy works H4639 unto the LORD, H3068 and thy thoughts H4284 shall be established. H3559
4 The LORD H3068 hath made H6466 all things for himself: H4617 yea, even the wicked H7563 for the day H3117 of evil. H7451
5 Every one that is proud H1362 in heart H3820 is an abomination H8441 to the LORD: H3068 though hand H3027 join in hand, H3027 he shall not be unpunished. H5352
6 By mercy H2617 and truth H571 iniquity H5771 is purged: H3722 and by the fear H3374 of the LORD H3068 men depart H5493 from evil. H7451
7 When a man's H376 ways H1870 please H7521 the LORD, H3068 he maketh even his enemies H341 to be at peace H7999 with him.
8 Better H2896 is a little H4592 with righteousness H6666 than great H7230 revenues H8393 without right. H4941
9 A man's H120 heart H3820 deviseth H2803 his way: H1870 but the LORD H3068 directeth H3559 his steps. H6806
10 A divine sentence H7081 is in the lips H8193 of the king: H4428 his mouth H6310 transgresseth H4603 not in judgment. H4941
11 A just H4941 weight H6425 and balance H3976 are the LORD'S: H3068 all the weights H68 of the bag H3599 are his work. H4639
12 It is an abomination H8441 to kings H4428 to commit H6213 wickedness: H7562 for the throne H3678 is established H3559 by righteousness. H6666
13 Righteous H6664 lips H8193 are the delight H7522 of kings; H4428 and they love H157 him that speaketh H1696 right. H3477
14 The wrath H2534 of a king H4428 is as messengers H4397 of death: H4194 but a wise H2450 man H376 will pacify H3722 it.
15 In the light H216 of the king's H4428 countenance H6440 is life; H2416 and his favour H7522 is as a cloud H5645 of the latter rain. H4456
16 How much better H2896 is it to get H7069 wisdom H2451 than gold! H2742 and to get H7069 understanding H998 rather to be chosen H977 than silver! H3701
17 The highway H4546 of the upright H3477 is to depart H5493 from evil: H7451 he that keepeth H5341 his way H1870 preserveth H8104 his soul. H5315
18 Pride H1347 goeth before H6440 destruction, H7667 and an haughty H1363 spirit H7307 before H6440 a fall. H3783
19 Better H2896 it is to be of an humble H8217 spirit H7307 with the lowly, H6035 H6041 than to divide H2505 the spoil H7998 with the proud. H1343
20 He that handleth a matter H1697 wisely H7919 shall find H4672 good: H2896 and whoso trusteth H982 in the LORD, H3068 happy H835 is he.
21 The wise H2450 in heart H3820 shall be called H7121 prudent: H995 and the sweetness H4986 of the lips H8193 increaseth H3254 learning. H3948
22 Understanding H7922 is a wellspring H4726 of life H2416 unto him that hath H1167 it: but the instruction H4148 of fools H191 is folly. H200
23 The heart H3820 of the wise H2450 teacheth H7919 his mouth, H6310 and addeth H3254 learning H3948 to his lips. H8193
24 Pleasant H5278 words H561 are as an honeycomb, H6688 H1706 sweet H4966 to the soul, H5315 and health H4832 to the bones. H6106
25 There is H3426 a way H1870 that seemeth right H3477 unto H6440 a man, H376 but the end H319 thereof are the ways H1870 of death. H4194
26 He H5315 that laboureth H6001 laboureth H5998 for himself; for his mouth H6310 craveth H404 it of him.
27 An ungodly H1100 man H376 diggeth up H3738 evil: H7451 and in his lips H8193 there is as a burning H6867 fire. H784
28 A froward H8419 man H376 soweth H7971 strife: H4066 and a whisperer H5372 separateth H6504 chief friends. H441
29 A violent H2555 man H376 enticeth H6601 his neighbour, H7453 and leadeth H3212 him into the way H1870 that is not good. H2896
30 He shutteth H6095 his eyes H5869 to devise H2803 froward things: H8419 moving H7169 his lips H8193 he bringeth H3615 evil H7451 to pass. H3615
31 The hoary head H7872 is a crown H5850 of glory, H8597 if it be found H4672 in the way H1870 of righteousness. H6666
32 He that is slow H750 to anger H639 is better H2896 than the mighty; H1368 and he that ruleth H4910 his spirit H7307 than he that taketh H3920 a city. H5892
33 The lot H1486 is cast H2904 into the lap; H2436 but the whole disposing H4941 thereof is of the LORD. H3068
1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.
4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: `Though' hand `join' in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.
9 A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah's; All the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
14 The wrath of a king is `as' messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride `goeth' before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is `their' folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are `as' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him `thereto'.
27 A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good.
30 He that shutteth his eyes, `it is' to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.
1 Of man `are' arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.
3 Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,
4 All things hath Jehovah wrought for Himself, And also the wicked `worketh' for a day of evil.
5 An abomination to Jehovah `is' every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
6 In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of Jehovah Turn thou aside from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
8 Better `is' a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without justice.
9 The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.
10 An oath `is' on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.
11 A just beam and balances `are' Jehovah's, His work `are' all the stones of the bag.
12 An abomination to kings `is' doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
13 The delight of kings `are' righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
14 The fury of a king `is' messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
15 In the light of a king's face `is' life, And his good-will `is' as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
17 A highway of the upright `is', `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
18 Before destruction `is' pride, And before stumbling -- a haughty spirit.'
19 Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
20 The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
21 To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
22 A fountain of life `is' understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
24 Sayings of pleasantness `are' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
25 There is a way right before a man, And its latter end -- ways of death.
26 A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused `him' to bend over it.
27 A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips -- as a burning fire.
28 A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.
30 Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
31 A crown of beauty `are' grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
32 Better `is' the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
33 Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah `is' all its judgment!
1 The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held innocent.
6 By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of Jehovah [men] depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.
9 The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment.
11 The just balance and scales are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh aright.
14 The fury of a king is [as] messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that taketh heed to his way keepeth his soul.
18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the meek, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning.
24 Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.
26 The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.
27 A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire.
28 A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.
30 He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, [if] it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole decision is of Jehovah.
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Yahweh weighs the motives.
3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, And your plans shall succeed.
4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end-- Yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: They shall assuredly not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.
9 A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.
10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.
11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; All the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, For the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.
14 The king's wrath is a messenger of death, But a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the punishment of fools is their folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; For his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.
30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, One who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; One who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from Yahweh.
1 The designs of the heart are man's, but the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord.
2 All a man's ways are clean to himself; but the Lord puts men's spirits into his scales.
3 Put your works into the hands of the Lord, and your purposes will be made certain.
4 The Lord has made everything for his purpose, even the sinner for the day of evil.
5 Everyone who has pride in his heart is disgusting to the Lord: he will certainly not go free from punishment.
6 By mercy and good faith evil-doing is taken away: and by the fear of the Lord men are turned away from evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his haters be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great wealth with wrongdoing.
9 A man may make designs for his way, but the Lord is the guide of his steps.
10 Decision is in the lips of the king: his mouth will not go wrong in judging.
11 True measures and scales are the Lord's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12 Evil-doing is disgusting to kings: for the seat of the ruler is based on righteousness.
13 Lips of righteousness are the delight of kings; and he who says what is upright is dear to him.
14 The wrath of the king is like those who give news of death, but a wise man will put peace in place of it.
15 In the light of the king's face there is life; and his approval is like a cloud of spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! and to get knowledge is more to be desired than silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to be turned away from evil: he who takes care of his way will keep his soul.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a stiff spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to have a gentle spirit with the poor, than to take part in the rewards of war with men of pride.
20 He who gives attention to the law of right will get good; and whoever puts his faith in the Lord is happy.
21 The wise-hearted will be named men of good sense: and by pleasing words learning is increased.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.
23 The heart of the wise man is the teacher of his mouth, and gives increased learning to his lips.
24 Pleasing words are like honey, sweet to the soul and new life to the bones.
25 There is a way which seems straight before a man, but its end is the ways of death.
26 The desire of the working man is working for him, for his need of food is driving him on.
27 A good-for-nothing man is a designer of evil, and in his lips there is a burning fire.
28 A man of twisted purposes is a cause of fighting everywhere: and he who says evil secretly makes trouble between friends.
29 A violent man puts desire of evil into his neighbour's mind, and makes him go in a way which is not good.
30 He whose eyes are shut is a man of twisted purposes, and he who keeps his lips shut tight makes evil come about.
31 The grey head is a crown of glory, if it is seen in the way of righteousness.
32 He who is slow to be angry is better than a man of war, and he who has control over his spirit than he who takes a town.
33 A thing may be put to the decision of chance, but it comes about through the Lord.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 16
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.