Proverbs 16 Commentary: Aligning with God's Sovereign Plan
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Proverbs 16 offers a collection of insightful sayings attributed to Solomon, exploring themes of God's sovereignty, human planning, the value of wisdom, the power of speech, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, situated within a larger section of comparisons and completions (Proverbs 10-22:16), delves into the complexities of human nature, motives, and conduct, reminding us of God's ultimate control over all things. Let's unpack the wisdom contained within this chapter.
Human Plans and Divine Sovereignty
The chapter begins by addressing the relationship between human planning and God's sovereignty. We make our plans, formulate our strategies, and deliberate in our hearts, but the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of the Lord (Proverbs 16:1, 9). Tony Evans aptly puts it, "Humans are responsible for the reflections and plans of their hearts, but they do nothing that falls outside of the sovereignty of God." This isn't to say that our efforts are meaningless; rather, it calls us to humility and recognition that God's purposes will prevail.
This truth can be both comforting and challenging. It's comforting knowing that even when our plans fail or life takes unexpected turns, God is still in control, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). It's challenging because it requires us to surrender our will to His, aligning our agenda with His. As Proverbs 16:3 states, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Committing our activities to the Lord means submitting our will to His, inviting His will to be done in our lives as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10-11).
Proverbs 16:4 offers a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty: "The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." This verse doesn't suggest that God causes wickedness, but rather that He uses even the actions of the wicked to fulfill His ultimate purposes. This overwhelming doctrine (Job 42:2; Psalms 115:3; Ephesians 1:11) reminds us that nothing escapes God’s all-controlling hand.
The Value of Godly Wisdom
Throughout Proverbs 16, the value of godly wisdom is contrasted with the dangers of arrogance and foolishness. Arrogance, a spiritual pride that leads to rejecting God, is detestable to the Lord (Proverbs 16:5). When we turn from evil and embrace the fear of the Lord, we demonstrate true wisdom (Proverbs 16:6).
Wisdom is more valuable than material wealth (Proverbs 16:16). It guides our steps, protects us from harm, and leads to a life of blessing. The one with a wise heart thinks carefully about his words, so he may teach others with speech that increases learning (Proverbs 16:21, 23), gives life (Proverbs 16:22), and is pleasant to hear (Proverbs 16:21, 24).
Kings, Rulers, and Righteous Government
Solomon offers insights into the nature of kings and rulers, highlighting the importance of righteous governance. Those in authority wield great power, and it's wise to avoid their wrath (Proverbs 16:10-15). Ideally, a godly king should act with justice and integrity.
God is the sovereign King over all. He removes kings and establishes kings (Daniel 2:21). Rightly administered, government is God’s servant for your good (Romans 13:4), so followers of God ought to submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). As servants of the true King, human kings should render righteous judgments and hate wickedness. When human government is unrighteous, it is the responsibility of God’s people to interpose themselves to defend innocent victims and to stand up in obedience to God (e.g., Exodus 1:16-20; Esther 4; Daniel 3; Acts 4:18-20).
The Power of Words and Self-Control
Proverbs 16 emphasizes the power of our words. Kind words are like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24). Controlled speech and self-reflection are essential for a wise life. On the other hand, hateful words can cause incredible damage.
The chapter also warns against a lack of self-control, particularly regarding one's temper (Proverbs 16:32). Just as embracing foolishness causes young people to despise the elderly, we should honor the old out of the fear of the Lord (Leviticus 19:32). God grants gray hair as a glorious crown.
The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The concluding section of Proverbs 16 contrasts the righteous with the wicked. Wicked people spread conflict (Proverbs 16:28) and perform violence (Proverbs 16:29), causing harm to others. The righteous, on the other hand, seek wisdom and avoid evil.
Whether by deceiving (Proverbs 16:30), spreading conflict (Proverbs 16:28), or performing violence (Proverbs 16:29), wicked men cause harm to others. If you don’t want to become like them, keep your distance! The righteous dig up wisdom “like hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4), but a worthless person digs up evil (Proverbs 16:27).
Embracing God's Sovereignty and Living Wisely
Proverbs 16 offers practical wisdom for navigating life, reminding us of God's sovereignty over all things. By aligning our plans with His will, pursuing wisdom, using our words carefully, and controlling our tempers, we can live lives that are pleasing to Him and bring blessing to ourselves and others. Even in seemingly random events, God is ultimately in control (Proverbs 16:33), guiding us toward His purposes. Let us embrace His sovereignty and strive to live wisely, reflecting His character in all that we do.
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Proverbs 16 offers a collection of insightful sayings attributed to Solomon, exploring themes of God's sovereignty, human planning, the value of wisdom, the power of speech, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, situated within a larger section of comparisons and completions (Proverbs 10-22:16), delves into the complexities of human nature, motives, and conduct, reminding us of God's ultimate control over all things. Let's unpack the wisdom contained within this chapter.
Human Plans and Divine Sovereignty
The chapter begins by addressing the relationship between human planning and God's sovereignty. We make our plans, formulate our strategies, and deliberate in our hearts, but the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of the Lord (Proverbs 16:1, 9). Tony Evans aptly puts it, "Humans are responsible for the reflections and plans of their hearts, but they do nothing that falls outside of the sovereignty of God." This isn't to say that our efforts are meaningless; rather, it calls us to humility and recognition that God's purposes will prevail.
This truth can be both comforting and challenging. It's comforting knowing that even when our plans fail or life takes unexpected turns, God is still in control, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). It's challenging because it requires us to surrender our will to His, aligning our agenda with His. As Proverbs 16:3 states, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Committing our activities to the Lord means submitting our will to His, inviting His will to be done in our lives as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10-11).
Proverbs 16:4 offers a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty: "The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." This verse doesn't suggest that God causes wickedness, but rather that He uses even the actions of the wicked to fulfill His ultimate purposes. This overwhelming doctrine (Job 42:2; Psalms 115:3; Ephesians 1:11) reminds us that nothing escapes God’s all-controlling hand.
The Value of Godly Wisdom
Throughout Proverbs 16, the value of godly wisdom is contrasted with the dangers of arrogance and foolishness. Arrogance, a spiritual pride that leads to rejecting God, is detestable to the Lord (Proverbs 16:5). When we turn from evil and embrace the fear of the Lord, we demonstrate true wisdom (Proverbs 16:6).
Wisdom is more valuable than material wealth (Proverbs 16:16). It guides our steps, protects us from harm, and leads to a life of blessing. The one with a wise heart thinks carefully about his words, so he may teach others with speech that increases learning (Proverbs 16:21, 23), gives life (Proverbs 16:22), and is pleasant to hear (Proverbs 16:21, 24).
Kings, Rulers, and Righteous Government
Solomon offers insights into the nature of kings and rulers, highlighting the importance of righteous governance. Those in authority wield great power, and it's wise to avoid their wrath (Proverbs 16:10-15). Ideally, a godly king should act with justice and integrity.
God is the sovereign King over all. He removes kings and establishes kings (Daniel 2:21). Rightly administered, government is God’s servant for your good (Romans 13:4), so followers of God ought to submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). As servants of the true King, human kings should render righteous judgments and hate wickedness. When human government is unrighteous, it is the responsibility of God’s people to interpose themselves to defend innocent victims and to stand up in obedience to God (e.g., Exodus 1:16-20; Esther 4; Daniel 3; Acts 4:18-20).
The Power of Words and Self-Control
Proverbs 16 emphasizes the power of our words. Kind words are like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24). Controlled speech and self-reflection are essential for a wise life. On the other hand, hateful words can cause incredible damage.
The chapter also warns against a lack of self-control, particularly regarding one's temper (Proverbs 16:32). Just as embracing foolishness causes young people to despise the elderly, we should honor the old out of the fear of the Lord (Leviticus 19:32). God grants gray hair as a glorious crown.
The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The concluding section of Proverbs 16 contrasts the righteous with the wicked. Wicked people spread conflict (Proverbs 16:28) and perform violence (Proverbs 16:29), causing harm to others. The righteous, on the other hand, seek wisdom and avoid evil.
Whether by deceiving (Proverbs 16:30), spreading conflict (Proverbs 16:28), or performing violence (Proverbs 16:29), wicked men cause harm to others. If you don’t want to become like them, keep your distance! The righteous dig up wisdom “like hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4), but a worthless person digs up evil (Proverbs 16:27).
Embracing God's Sovereignty and Living Wisely
Proverbs 16 offers practical wisdom for navigating life, reminding us of God's sovereignty over all things. By aligning our plans with His will, pursuing wisdom, using our words carefully, and controlling our tempers, we can live lives that are pleasing to Him and bring blessing to ourselves and others. Even in seemingly random events, God is ultimately in control (Proverbs 16:33), guiding us toward His purposes. Let us embrace His sovereignty and strive to live wisely, reflecting His character in all that we do.