Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16:1

IN man] The Italian, Are mans] That is to say, Man may by his naturall faculty discourse, devise, and deliberate; but Gods providence governs and directs according to his will and pleasure, not onely his actions, but his very speeches.

Proverbs 16:2

Weigheth] Examineth, discerneth, and judgeth of every mans soule, and all the motions thereof.

Proverbs 16:3

Thy thoughts] Thy designes and deliberations shall certainly have a happy issue.

Proverbs 16:4

For himselse] Not to reap any profit or benefit out of them, hee having full sufficiency of happinesse in himselfe, but because that all his Workes may bee referred to his obedience, service and glory The wicked] God is not, nor cannot bee author nor cause of any wickednesse in his Creature; and therefore this ought to be understood thus; That all man-kind having been corrupted in Adam, God neverthelesse doth preserve it, and causeth it to fructifie, to draw and save out of them the number of his elect, leaving the reprobate in their originall depravation; by which, and by the wicked acts which they derive from thence, hee doth ordaine them to just punishment, to the glory of his justice: Romans chapter 9. verse 22. and 23. 1 Peter chapter 2. verse 8. Jud. Chapter the fourth. And so the word make, is referred to the preservation and propagation of humane nature, though corrupt, and to the just destination to punishment, as 〈◊〉 i often used for, ordained, or appoynted, as Mark. Chapter the third, verse the foureteenth. Hebrewes Chapter the third, verse the second Of evill] Namely, for temporall and eternall punishments.

Proverbs 16:6

In quity] God is propitious and pardoneth their sinnes to them as turne from them, and endeavour to attaine to those vertues, which are contrary to them, as 1 Kings 21 27, 29. Daniel 4:27. Jonah 3:10. Now this purging ought to be understood, in regard of corporall punishments because that for the everlasting and eternall punishment, there was never any other expiation, but onely the bloud of Christ, 1 John 1 7. and 2. 2.

Proverbs 16:9

Directeth] The meaning is, man maketh many designes, but all the meanes occasions, conduct, and issue of the execution, pn absolutely upon Gods will and providence.

Proverbs 16:10

A divine sentence] The Italian, Divination] God often inspireth Kings and Magistrates, in the exercise of their Offices, so that they seem for to divine, either in fore-seeing things to come, or in discovering of secret things, or in deciding of doubtfull things. See Genesis chapter 44. verse 15. 1 Kings chapter 3. verse 16. John chapter 11. verse 51 Transgresseth not]The meaning is not that this singular inspiration is perpetuall: but that when God doth communicate it, it doth worke so powerfully, that it causeth them to utter infallible oracles.

Proverbs 16:11

The Lords] Are appoynted by him to be so, and therefore they cannot bee falsified, without a grievous offence to God.

Proverbs 16:12

Abomination to Kings] Namely, to those Kings which are righteous and vertuous, which onely deserve this glorious name For the] Because they know that the onely prop of their power is justice; and they punish the wicked because they hate and detest them.

Proverbs 16:15

In the light] The subjects are emboldened, comforted and joyed, when the King sheweth himselfe loving and gracious towards them The latter raine] A raine which falleth very seldome in those conntries, yet is much desired, because it is a great refreshing, Job Chapter the nine and twentieth, verse the three and twentieth. Zach. chapt. 10. verse 1.

Proverbs 16:17

That keepeth] That keepeth himselfe from sinne in all his actions, and avoydeth all occasions of going astray, and holdeth himselfe straightly to the Law of God. Psalme 119. verse the ninth.

Proverbs 16:19

To divide] Then to have any part of their great wealth which they have gotten by violence and extortion.

Proverbs 16:20

Handleth a matter] The Italian hath it, Understandeth the word] That is to say, well instructed in Gods word, hath a true taste, and the pure knowledge, and spirituall understanding of it.

Proverbs 16:21

The sweetnesse] Eloquence, and grace in speaking, causeth knowledge to bee of greater estimation and worth.: Or hee that is is endowed with it, hath a great advantage above others to instruct and perswade others.

Proverbs 16:22

Vnderstanding] Wisedome, like a living spring alwayes furnisheth the wise man with new and wholsome instructions and good advices, &c The Instruction] Namely whatsoever they utter for advice, councell or instruction, Psalme 49. verse 13.

Proverbs 16:23

Addeth] Causeth to be dayly wiser and discreeter in his speeches.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant] Are full of sweet cordiality, affectionate compassion, and faithfull consolation.

Proverbs 16:26

He that] The Italian, The soule of him that] The fruit of every lawfull labour is first reaped by him that laboureth, he thereby supplying his owne wants and necessities.

Proverbs 16:27

Diggeth up] The Italian, Maketh ready] The Hebrew terme seemeth to be taken from Cooks. Others, diggeth up; that is to say, doth plot secretly Burning fire] This also is according to the precedent figure: for your secret calumnies, false and malitious reports, dissembling and fraudulent speeches, are like unto fire, which makes ready and ripeneth the intent of doing hurt, untill such time as it is ready to bee put in execution.

Proverbs 16:28

Chiefe friends] Namely, those most trusty friends which doe give advice and councell in all difficulties and perplexities. See Psal. 55. 13. Micah 7:5.

Proverbs 16:29

Enticeth] Seeketh to make him a companion in his thefts; robberies, and extortions, Proverbs 1:10.

Proverbs 16:30

He shuteeb] Evill men are pensive and solitary, whilst they are devising of malice, but break out in laughter and scoffing when they have executed it.

Proverbs 16:31

If it be found] The Italian, It shall be found] God ordinarily granteth long life to good men, and not to the wicked. See Psalme 55. 23. Proverbs 10:27.

Proverbs 16:33

Disposing] the determination and decision of such things as are lawfully put to the lot.