Proverbs 16

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.

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.