Proverbs Chapter 16
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
Proverbs 16:1
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1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
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.
Proverbs 16:2
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2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct.
Proverbs 16:3
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3Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.
Proverbs 16:4
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4The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last.
Proverbs 16:5
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5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God's judgments.
Proverbs 16:6
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6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
By the mercy and truth of God in Christ Jesus, the sins of believers are taken away, and the power of sin is broken.
Proverbs 16:7
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7When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:8
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8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better account than a great estate ill-gotten.
Proverbs 16:9
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9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
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.
Proverbs 16:11
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11A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment.
Proverbs 16:12
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12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security.
Proverbs 16:13
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13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Put those in power who know how to speak to the purpose.
Proverbs 16:14, 15
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14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour.
Proverbs 16:16
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16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom.
Proverbs 16:17
Bible Verses:
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
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.
Proverbs 16:18
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18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
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.
Proverbs 16:19
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19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
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.
Proverbs 16:21
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21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents.
Proverbs 16:22
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22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours.
Proverbs 16:23
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23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others.
Proverbs 16:24
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24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls.
Proverbs 16:25
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25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls.
Proverbs 16:26
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26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish.
Proverbs 16:27, 28
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27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
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!
Proverbs 16:29, 30
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29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Some do all the mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result.
Proverbs 16:31
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31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness.
Proverbs 16:32
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32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy.
Proverbs 16:33
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33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
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.