Proverbs 16 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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.”
16:2clean — or, “faultless.”
weigheth — or, “tries,” “judges,” implying that they are faulty (Proverbs 21:2; Proverbs 24:12).
16:3(Compare Margin). Rely on God for success to your lawful purposes.
16:4for himself — “for its answer,” or “purpose,” that is, according to God‘s plan; the wicked are for the day of evil (Psalm 49:5; Jeremiah 17:18); sinning and suffering answer to each other, are indissolubly united.
16:5(Compare Proverbs 3:32).
16:6By mercy and truth — that is, God‘s (Psalm 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 Leviticus 16:33; Isaiah 27:9, Hebrew).
16:7Persecutions, of course, excepted.
16:8(Compare Proverbs 15:6, Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 15:17).
16:9(Compare Proverbs 16:3).
directeth — establisheth.
16:10The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.
16:11are the Lord‘s his work — that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men.
16:12Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.
16:13A specification of the general sentiment of Proverbs 16:12.
16:14This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (1 Kings 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.
16:15 countenance — favor (Psalm 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 (Deuteronomy 11:14).
16:16(Compare Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:5).
16:17The highway — A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil.
keepeth — observes.
16:18-19(Compare Proverbs 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence
a fall — literally, “sliding.”
16:19divide the spoil — that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (James 4:6).
16:20handleth a matter — wisely considers “the word,” that is, of God (compare Proverbs 13:13).
trusteth — (Compare Psalm 2:12; Psalm 118:8, Psalm 118:9).
16:21wise in heart — who rightly consider duty.
sweetness of the lips — eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.
16:22Understanding — or, “discretion,” is a constant source of blessing (Proverbs 13:14), benefiting others; but fools‘ best efforts are folly.
16:23The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
16:24(Compare Proverbs 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
16:25(Compare Proverbs 14:2).
16:26Diligence is a duty due to one‘s self, for his wants require labor.
16:27ungodly man — (Compare Proverbs 6:12).
diggeth up evil — labors for it.
in his lips fire — His words are calumniating (James 3:6).
16:28(Compare Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 10:31).
whisperer — prater, talebearer (Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 26:20).
16:29violent man — or, “man of mischief” (Proverbs 3:31).
enticeth — (Proverbs 1:10).
16:30He shutteth his eyes — denoting deep thought (Psalm 64:6).
moving his lips — or, “biting his lips” - a determined purpose (Proverbs 6:13).
16:31(Compare Proverbs 20:29).
if — or, which may be supplied properly, or without it the sense is as in Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:10, that piety is blessed with long life.
16:32(Compare Proverbs 14:29).
taketh a city — that is, by fighting.
16:33Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.
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