v. 9. A man's heart deviseth his way, reflecting most carefully on his conduct, considering as best he can what might be best for him to do; but the Lord directeth his steps, the result and the end are the Lord's, and the best suggestion is that a Christian from the beginning place himself under God's guidance; for "man proposes, but God disposes. " read more
2. Admonition to a walk in the fear of God and obedienceProverbs 16:1 to Proverbs 22:16α) Admonition to trust in God as the wise Ruler and Governor of the worldChap. 161 Man’s are the counsels of the heart,but the answer of the tongue is Jehovah’s.2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.3 Commit thy works to Jehovah,so will thy plans be established.4 Jehovah hath made every thing for its end,even the wicked for the day of... read more
Verse Proverbs 16:1. A somewhat obscure proverb which recognizes that man has to exercise his own reason in making his plans, but that he is dependent on the Lord for the answer of the tongue. Dr. Perowne's interpretation is most likely the correct one. He says: "The implied moral of the proverb is, If we cannot do the less without God, do not attempt to do the greater without Him." Verse Proverbs 16:4. This is simply the affirmation of the fact that in the orderliness of the divine economy... read more
Proverbs Of Solomon Part 2 (Proverbs 15:22 to Proverbs 22:16 ). At this point there is a sudden switch from proverbs which contrast one thing with another, which have been predominant since Proverbs 10:1, to proverbs where the second clause adds something to the first. Whilst we still find some contrasting proverbs, especially at the beginning, they are not so common. This may suggest a deliberate intention by Solomon to separate his proverbs into two parts. Furthermore such a change at this... read more
YHWH Is Concerned About Injustice Whether At The Hands Of The King Or Of Men (Proverbs 16:8-12 ). In this subsection men are urged to act justly and rightly in their business dealings, and kings are urged to act justly in their dealings with their people. In both cases we are assured that both men and kings are subject to His control. Proverbs 16:8 provides an important reminder that whilst those who follow wisdom are guaranteed future wellbeing, it does not necessarily come at once. There... read more
Proverbs 16. The special feature is a group of aphorisms ( Proverbs 16:10-Ezra :) relating to kings. The sentiments seem rather to reflect the picture of the ideal king than to indicate any particular period. The metaphors employed and the character depicted suggest a parallel with the ideal king of Psalms 72. Proverbs 16:4 . The lit. rendering of Proverbs 16:4 a is “ Yahweh has made every work for its answer”— i.e. the nexus of cause and effect seen in the moral government of the world is... read more
Deviseth his way; considers and proposeth to himself what he will do. Directeth his steps; overruleth and disposeth all their designs and actions as he pleaseth, and not as they list. read more
CRITICAL NOTES.—Proverbs 16:9. Deviseth. The form of the verb denotes anxious consideration. MAIN HOMILETICS OF Proverbs 16:9MAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSESI. This is a fact of national and individual history. In both inspired and uninspired records we meet with abundant confirmations of this truth. There is no more striking illustration of it than in the life of Joseph. He leaves his father’s house, as he supposes, for a few days, little dreaming that he is traversing a path by which he will never... read more
Shall we turn now to Proverbs 16:1-33 , the sixteenth chapter and begin our study this evening.The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD ( Proverbs 16:1 ).God works in our lives even when we're not aware of it. If we're a child of God, God is continually working in our lives. It's amazing how many times we say things that we don't realize that at the time we are saying it, but actually it's a word from the Lord. It just comes up. God prepares your... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Proverbs 16:8-33
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... read more