Proverbs 16-18

The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good.

Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct.

Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.

God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last.

Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God's judgments.

By the mercy and truth of God in Christ Jesus, the sins of believers are taken away, and the power of sin is broken.

He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him.

A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better account than a great estate ill-gotten.

If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace. 10. Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God.

To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment.

The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security.

Put those in power who know how to speak to the purpose.

Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour.

There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom.

A sincerely religious man keeps at a distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that walks in Christ, and is led by the Spirit of Christ.

When men defy God's judgments, and think themselves far from them, it is a sign they are at the door. Let us not fear the pride of others, but fear pride in ourselves.

Humility, though it exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy. He that understands God's word shall find good.

The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents.

As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours.

The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others.

The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls.

This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls.

We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish.

Ungodly men bestow more pains to do mischief than would be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a hateful, but how common a character!

Some do all the mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result.

Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness.

To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy.

All the disposal of Providence concerning our affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly. Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for he knows what is good for them.

These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for the comfort of human life.

The wise servant is more deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a profligate son.

God tries the heart by affliction. He thus has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer.

Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those that live in sin.

Those that laugh at poverty, treat God's providence and precepts with contempt.

It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even after they are grown up and settled in the world.

A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it.

Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts!

The way to preserve peace is to make the best of every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against ourselves.

A gentle reproof will enter, not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man.

Satan, and the messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man.

Let us watch over our own passions, and avoid the company of furious men.

To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family.

What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin.

It is an offence to God to acquit the guilty, or to condemn those who are not guilty.

Man's neglect of God's favour and his own interest is very absurd.

No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment.

Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond.

If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin.

There is nothing got by ill designs. And many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue.

This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child.

It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful.

The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes.

The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness.

Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother.

It is very wrong to find fault for doing what is duty.

A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.

If we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves.

Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with.

As soon as sin entered, shame followed.

The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom.

The merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person.

What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues!

How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy!

Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin.

The Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour.

After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility.

Eagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame.

Firmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be?

We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts.

Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls.

It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves.

It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now.

Great care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult.

The belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace.

Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue.

A good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour.

Poverty tells men they must not order or demand. And at the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties.

Christ Jesus never will forsake those who trust in and love him. May we be such friends to others, for our Master's sake. Having loved his own, which were in the world, he loved them unto the end; and we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us, Joh 15:14.

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."

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

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

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.

(Compare Pr 3:32).

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).

Persecutions, of course, excepted.

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

(Compare Pr 16:3). directeth--establisheth.

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

The highway--A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil. keepeth--observes.

(Compare Pr 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence a fall--literally, "sliding."

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

handleth a matter--wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pr 13:13). trusteth--(Compare Ps 2:12; 118:8, 9).

wise in heart--who rightly consider duty. sweetness of the lips--eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.

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

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

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

(Compare Pr 14:2).

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

ungodly man--(Compare Pr 6:12). diggeth up evil--labors for it. in his lips ... fire--His words are calumniating (Jas 3:6).

(Compare Pr 6:14; 10:31). whisperer--prater, talebearer (Pr 18:8; 26:20).

violent man--or, "man of mischief" (Pr 3:31). enticeth--(Pr 1:10).

He shutteth his eyes--denoting deep thought (Ps 64:6). moving his lips--or, "biting his lips"--a determined purpose (Pr 6:13).

(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.

(Compare Pr 14:29). taketh a city--that is, by fighting.

Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.

sacrifices--or, "feasts" made with part of them (compare Pr 7:14; Le 2:3; 7:31). with--literally, "of." strife--its product, or attendant.

(Compare Pr 14:35). causeth shame--(Pr 10:5). shall ... inheritance--that is, share a brother's part (compare Nu 27:4, 7).

God only knows, as He tries (Ps 12:6; 66:10) the heart.

Wicked doers and speakers alike delight in calumny.

(Compare Pr 14:31). glad at calamities--rejoicing in others' evil. Such are rightly punished by God, who knows their hearts.

Prolonged posterity is a blessing, its cutting off a curse (Pr 13:22; Ps 109:13-15), hence children may glory in virtuous ancestry.

Excellent speech--(Compare Margin). Such language as ill suits a fool, as lying (ought to suit) a prince (Pr 16:12, 13).

One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his high estimate of it by subjection to its influence (Pr 18:16; 19:6).

seeketh love--(Compare Margin). The contrast is between the peace-maker and tale-bearer.

Reproof more affects the wise than severe scourging, fools.

Such meet just retribution (1Ki 2:25). a cruel messenger--one to inflict it.

They are less rational in anger than wild beasts.

(Compare Ps 7:4; 35:12). evil--injury to another (Pr 13:21).

letteth ... water--as a breach in a dam. before ... meddled with--before strife has become sharp, or, by an explanation better suiting the figure, before it rolls on, or increases.

abomination ... Lord--as reversing His method of acting (Pr 3:32; 12:2).

Though wealth cannot buy wisdom for those who do not love it, yet wisdom procures wealth (Pr 3:16; 14:24).

To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity.

(Compare Pr 6:1-5; 11:15). in the presence, &c.--that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.

strife--contention is, and leads to, sin. he that exalteth his gate--gratifies a vain love of costly building. seeketh--or, "findeth," as if he sought (compare "loveth death," Pr 8:36).

The second clause advances on the first. The ill-natured fail of good, and the cavilling and fault-finding incur evil.

(Compare Pr 23:24). Different words are rendered by "fool," both denoting stupidity and impiety.

(Compare Pr 14:30; 15:13). The effect of the mind on the body is well known. medicine--or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone." drieth--as if the marrow were exhausted.

a gift ... bosom--Money and other valuables were borne in a fold of the garment, called the bosom. to pervert--that is, by bribery.

Wisdom ... him--ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.

a grief--or cross, vexation (compare Pr 17:21; 10:1).

Also--that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.

Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.

Through desire ... seeketh--that is, seeks selfish gratification. intermeddleth ... wisdom--or, "rushes on" (Pr 17:14) against all wisdom, or what is valuable (Pr 2:7).

that his heart ... itself--that is, takes pleasure in revealing his folly (Pr 12:23; 15:2).

So surely are sin and punishment connected (Pr 16:4). wicked, for "wickedness," answers to ignominy, or the state of such; and contempt, the feeling of others to them; and to reproach, a manifestation of contempt.

Wise speech is like an exhaustless stream of benefit.

accept the person--(Compare Ps 82:2). "It is not good" is to be supplied before "to overthrow."

The quarrelsome bring trouble on themselves. Their rash language ensnares them (Pr 6:2).

(Compare Pr 16:28). as wounds--not sustained by the Hebrew; better, as "sweet morsels," which men gladly swallow. innermost ... belly--the mind, or heart (compare Pr 20:27-30; Ps 22:14).

One by failing to get, the other by wasting wealth, grows poor. waster--literally, "master of washing," a prodigal.

name of the Lord--manifested perfections (Ps 8:1; 20:2), as faithfulness, power, mercy, &c., on which men rely. is safe--literally, "set on high, out of danger" (Ps 18:2; 91:4).

contrasts with Pr 18:10 (compare Pr 10:15). Such is a vain trust (compare Ps 73:6).

(Compare Pr 15:33; 16:18).

Hasty speech evinces self-conceit, and ensures shame (Pr 26:12).

infirmity--bodily sickness, or outward evil. The spirit, which sustains, being wounded, no support is left, except, as implied, in God.

(Compare Pr 1:5, 15, 31).

(Compare Pr 17:8, 23). Disapproval of the fact stated is implied.

One-sided statements are not reliable. searcheth--thoroughly (Pr 17:9, 19).

The lot--whose disposal is of God (Pr 16:13), may, properly used, be a right mode of settling disputes.

No feuds so difficult of adjustment as those of relatives; hence great care should be used to avoid them.

(Compare Pr 12:14; 13:2). Men's words are the fruit, or, increase of his lips, and when good, benefit them. satisfied with--(Compare Pr 1:31; 14:14).

Death and life--or, the greatest evil and good. that love it--that is, the tongue, or its use for good or evil. eat ... fruit--(Compare Pr 18:19; Jas 1:19).

The old versions supply "good" before the "wife," as the last clause and Pr 19:14 imply (compare Pr 31:10).

the rich ... roughly--He is tolerated because rich, implying that the estimate of men by wealth is wrong.

A man ... friendly--better, "A man ... (is) to, or, may triumph (Ps 108:9), or, shout for joy (Ps 5:11), that is, may congratulate himself." Indeed, there is a Friend who is better than a brother; such is the "Friend of sinners" [Mt 11:19; Lu 7:34], who may have been before the writer's mind.