Pr 16:1-33. 1. 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." 2. clean -- or, "faultless." weigheth -- or, "tries," "judges," implying that they are faulty (Pr 21:2; 24:12). 3. (Compare Margin). Rely on God for success to your lawful purposes. 4. 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. 5. (Compare Pr 3:32). 6. 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). 7. Persecutions, of course, excepted. 8. (Compare Pr 15:6, 16, 17). 9. (Compare Pr 16:3). directeth -- establisheth. 10. The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative. 11. are the Lord's ... his work -- that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men. 12. Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness. 13. A specification of the general sentiment of Pr 16:12. 14. This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (1Ki 2:25), can be appeased by the wise. 15. 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). 16. (Compare Pr 3:16; 4:5). 17. The highway -- A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil. keepeth -- observes. 18, 19. (Compare Pr 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence a fall -- literally, "sliding." 19. divide the spoil -- that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jas 4:6). 20. handleth a matter -- wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pr 13:13). trusteth -- (Compare Ps 2:12; 118:8, 9). 21. wise in heart -- who rightly consider duty. sweetness of the lips -- eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others. 22. Understanding -- or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (Pr 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly. 23. The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth. 24. (Compare Pr 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health. 25. (Compare Pr 14:2). 26. Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor. 27. ungodly man -- (Compare Pr 6:12). diggeth up evil -- labors for it. in his lips ... fire -- His words are calumniating (Jas 3:6). 28. (Compare Pr 6:14; 10:31). whisperer -- prater, talebearer (Pr 18:8; 26:20). 29. violent man -- or, "man of mischief" (Pr 3:31). enticeth -- (Pr 1:10). 30. He shutteth his eyes -- denoting deep thought (Ps 64:6). moving his lips -- or, "biting his lips" -- a determined purpose (Pr 6:13). 31. (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. 32. (Compare Pr 14:29). taketh a city -- that is, by fighting. 33. Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God. |