Proverbs 16
DortGod governeth the tongue, a mans going; and the lot, verse 1,9,33. Self-conceited ness, 2,25. Confidence in God, 3,20. The highest end of Gods work, 4. Pride, 5,18,19. Reconciliation, and the fear of God, 6. Pacifying of enemies, 7. Contentment, 8. Of Kings, 10,12,13,14,15. Balance, 11. The preciousness of wisdom, 16. Conversation of the godly, 17. Word of God, 20. Wise speeches, 21,22,23,24. Laboriousness, 26. Ungodly, forward, and violent men, 27,28,29,30. The hoary-head, 31. Patience, or long-suffering, 32.
1. Man hath disposing of the heart; [Understand the thoughts, which a man orderly propoundeth to himself, and intendeth of purposeth, yet not excluding the over-ruling power of Gods providence. See below chap.21.1.] but the answer of the tongue [the Hebrew word indeed signifieth properly answer, but it is also taken for all manner of speech or communication. See above chapter 15.on verse 1.] is of the LORD. [to wit, without whom they can neither utter that which they have thought and imagined, nor perform that which they have said.]
2. All the ways of a man [That is, his life, his doing, and omitting. See Gen.6.on verse 12.] are pure in his (own) eyes: [that is, in his own judgement and conceit. See Job 18.on verse 3.] but the LORD weigheth [that is, searcheth, examineth, trieth, and proveth. [So below chapter 21.2. and 24.12.] the spirits. [that is, the thoughts, inclinations, motions, and purposes. See 2 Kings ch.19. on verse 7.]
3. Roll thy works upon the LORD: [See Psalm 22.on verse 9. And 37.on verse 5. And compare Psalms 55:23. Matth.6.25. Luke 12:22. 1 Pet.5.7.] and thy thoughts [which are called disposings, or adornings of the heart, above verse 1. See there the annot.] shall be established.
4. The LORD hath wrought all things for his own sake: [That is, for his own honour and glory, to wit, that in all his works, his wisdom, power, goodness, justice, and all his other divine attributes and properties might clearly appear. Compare Romans 9:17,22,23. And 11.36.] Ezek.1.5,6,12,14.] yea also the wicked for the day of evil. [meaning the evil of punishment. Compare Job 21:30.]
5. All (or every) that is lofty in heart [That is, proud, high-minded, lofty, disdainful. See of this vice, above chapter 6.17. and 8.13. also verse 18.] is an abomination to the LORD: [Hebrew, the Lords abomination] hand to hand, he shall not be guiltness. [see the meaning of these words, above ch.11.on verse 21.]
6. By mercy and faithfulness the offence is expiated: [That is, by the free grace and mercy of God, who is true and faithful in his promises, is sin pardoned and taken away, for the atonement and reconciliation made by Jesus Christ, Romans 3:24. Or, understand this of the goodness and faithfulness, which men shew to one another. To wit, not that they may merit thereby pardon of sin before God, but that they may get assurance to them selves, as by the fruits of justifying faith: and may also make it appear unto others, that they are freely by grace reconciled unto God. Also the reconciliation and atonement here, may be understood of the peace, which we make with him whom we have offended, by shewing him all manner of love and kindness, and so reconciliation our selves unto him. Comp.ab.ch.10. &.12. and the annot.] and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil, [to wit, the evil of sin, and therefore also the evil of punishment.]
7. When a mans ways please the LORD, then he will also make his enemies to be at peace with him. [That is, he will not onely keep his friends, and those that never were his foes, in peace with him; but will also move and encline his very enemies unto peace and friendship, so that they shall not in any wise hurt or annoy him. See Gen.33.4. Exod.12.36.]
8. Better is a little with righteousness, then a multitude of revenues without right. [To wit, gotten and gathered. Compare Psalms 37:16. above chapter 15.16.]
9. The heart of a man considereth his way: [That is, bethinketh, meditateth, pondereth, what it will doe, or leave undone. Comp. Ab.verse 1. And the annotations thereon; also below ch.19.21.] but the LORD directeth his going, [that is, ordereth and disposeth of the intent and purpose of the heart (so as that it shall be either put in practise, or not) to such an end, as suiteth best with the glory of his holy Name.]
10. Divination [The Hebrew word kesen, signifieth for the most part superstitious, and unlawful divination of future and hidden events, or issues, by things that go not sure, yea are devilish, as Num.22.7. and 23.23. Deut.18.10. 2 Kin.17.7. Jer.14.14. Ezek.13.6. But here it is taken for such a kind of guessing, as proceedeth from a sure certain, and acute or quick apprehension; Such kind of divination was in David, 2 Sam.14.20.and in Salomon, 1 Kings 3:24, etc.] is [Oth. Be] in the lips of the King: his mouth [namely, the mouth of a wise, and religious King] shall not transgress [Oth.transgresseth not] in judgement. [that is, in [pronouncing sentence, or judgementl sitting for that very end and purpose in the place of Judicature, or on the Judgement-seat.]
11. A right balance, [Hebrew a balance of Judgement, or, right; that is, a right balance. So Lev.19,v .36. balance of righteousness, or, justice; that is, righteous, or just balance. Many Translators understanding by this word balance, a great balance, and by the following word scales, the little balance, which is held in the hand; and that because the Lord is said to weigh the mountains in the balance, but the hills, that are less, in the scales, Isa.40.12. Some understand this verse as spoken figuratively of all the parts and works of judgement] and scales are the LORDS: [to wit, delight, as is said above chap.11.1. or his work, as is said in the following words of this verse. Oth. Are of the Lord] all the weighing-stones [that is, weights. So above ch.11.1. See Lev.19.on verse 36.] of the sack [or, bag; to wit, where into they put their stones or weights, that they might the less wear out, or break. Compare Deuteronomy 25. On verse 13. Mich.6.on verse 11.] are his work. [to wit, which he hath commanded, and which pleaseth him: Meaning when they are as they ought to be. See Lev.19.36. Deut.25.13, &c. Above chap.11.1. below 20.10,23.]
12. It is the abomination of Kings, [That is, a thing which they ought to abhor and abominate: or, it is an abomination unto Kings; that is, a thing which they abhore and abominate; to wit, wise, and godly Kings. See above chapter 3.on verse 32. Oth. Let it be an abomination unto Kings, &c.] to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13. The lips of righteousness [That is, righteous, and virtuous speeches; or, the mouth that speaketh right things. Compare above chapter 12.on verse 19.] are the delight of Kings: [that is, wherein they ought to take delight. Or, are a delight unto Kings: that is, unto religious Kings. Oth. Let the lips of righteousness be a delight unto Kings: that is, well-pleasing unto them] and every one of them [to wit, Kings] will love him that speaketh right things.
14. The wrath of the King is (as) the messengers of death: [That is, as messengers, telling him against whom the King is incensed, that he must die. The plural number sheweth the certainty of the message, if the Kings wrath be not appeased. See an example, Esth.7.7. Compare below chapter 19.12. and 20.2.] but a wise man will reconcile it. [to wit, wrath: that is, appease and pacify it. See examples, 1 Sam.24.10, &c. And chap.25.32,33.]
15. In the light of the Kings countenance [Meaning the friendly countenance, whereby the King looketh favourably upon a man. Compare above chapter 15. The annotations on verse 30.] is life: [that is, as a messenger of life, or a refreshing of life, especially unto him, against whom the King was formerly incensed] and his delight [that is, favour and good will] is a cloud of the latter rain. [to wit, which is very welcome and acceptable, when it falleth after a long drought in the Spring, to cause the fruits to swell and to bring them to ripeness. See Deut.11.on verse 14. Compare below ch.19.12.]
16. How much better is it to get wisdom, then gold digged out? [Of gold digged out, see above chap.3.on verse 14.] and more excellent to get understanding, then silver? [Compare Job 28:15. how wisdom and understanding do differ, or are distinguished in this book, see above chap.1.on verse 2.]
17. The high-way of the upright is, to depart from evil: [As the high-way, or road is the safest and surest way for travellers and way-faring men, the other paths and by-ways being full of danger and peril; so there is nothing more safe and better for the godly in their spiritual journey, then to shun and avoid sin] he preserveth his soul, that keepeth his way. [see 1 Kings 2.on verse 4.]
18. Pride is before breaking to shivers [That is, destruction, ruine, overthrow. So below ch.17.19. Isa.59.7. Jer.14.17.] and loftiness of spirit [that is, high-mindedness. The contrary is lowliness of spirit, whereof see the following verse] before the fall.
19. It is better to be of an humble spirit [That is, to behave ones self humble and lowly, as those that are taken captive by their enemies, and are become a prey unto them. Compare Isa.57.15. where the same phrase is used] with the meek; [oth. Afflicted, wretched, or poor: who are also commonly meek] then to divide the spoil with the proud. [it is worth our observation, that robbery is here ascribed and attributed unto proud high-minded rich men.]
20. He that considereth the word [To wit, of God: or, also the instruction, that agreeth with the Word of God] understandingly, shall find good: [to wit, corporal good, belonging to this temporal life; and spiritual good, belonging to life eternal, above chap.8.25. 1 Tim.4.8. Compare the phrase, below chap.17.20. and 18.22. and 19.18. The contrary hereunto is, when evil is said to find a man, Job 31:29. Esth.8.6.] and he that trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. [Compare Psalms 2:12. and 24.9. and 125.1. Isa.30.18. Jer.17.7.]
21. The wise in heart shall be called understanding; [To wit, because out of true wisdom cometh prudence and understanding, whereby a man knoweth how he ought to live, and to order all things aright] and the sweetness of the lips [that is, of the speech, or discourse. See Gen.11.on verse 1.] shall increase learning. [that is, the eloquence, and dexterity of a man, whereby he is able to speak well, and to place his words right, is of use to teach and instruct others profitably.]
22. The understanding of them that possess it, [Hebr. Of its masters, owners, lords, or possess it, and are therewith endowed, and have the use of it. See Gen.14.on ver13.] is a well-spring of life; [to wit, which continually enlighteneth by teaching, quickeneth by comforting, strengtheneth by exhorting, &c. Without being diminished or lessened in it self. See above chapter 10.on verse 11. Also chapter 13,14.] but the instruction of fools [the Hebrew word musar, is also taken for bad discipline or instruction, Jer.10.8.] is folly. [to wit, which bringeth death with it.]
23. A wise mans heart maketh his mouth [That is, the mouth of the wise man] understanding: [that is, directeth, prepareth, and disposeth his mouth, that he may not speak otherwise then judiciously, prudently, and seasonably] and shall increase learning in his lips. [that is, good instruction in his mouth, so that he shall be desirous to communicate it unto others, and pour it forth in great abundance, to the edification and instruction of others.]
24. Pleasant speeches, [Hebr. Speechs of pleasantness. Meaning the sayings or communications of the wise, which are gracious, and delightful, by their manifold teaching and instruction, exhortation, comfort, admonition. Compare above chapter 15.26. and the annot.] are an honey-comb; sweet to the soul, [to wit, that is wise and understanding] and physic to the bones. [see above chapter 4.on verse 22. Oth. Health. Compare also above chapter 14.on verse 30.]
25. There is a way, that seemeth right unto man: but the last thereof, are the ways of death. [See the exposition of this verse, above chapter 14.on verse 12.]
26. The soul of the laborious man [That is, the man that laboureth, to wit, to get his living. Soul for man, see Gen.12.on verse 5.] laboureth for himself: [that is, for the sustentation of his own body] for the mouth [to wit, which must use and eat food for all the members of the body. Compare Eccles.6.7.] boweth it self before him [to wit, the laboureth, or the man that laboureth: to wit, as it were with reverence, entreating and beseeching the labouring man to work diligently, that he may always have something to offer, and present unto the mouth. It is a similitude taken from those, that put up a Petition to some LORDS or great person, to whom they shew great honour and respect, to gain their favour and good will. Others render this verse thus: A troublesome soul (that is, that causeth trouble by words) causeth trouble to her self: for her mouth is bent against her; that is, her troublesome speeches do fall cross against themselves, and create trouble unto her.]
27. A man of Belial [See Deut.13.on verse 13.] diggeth up evil: [that is, plotteth, and practiseth to do his neighbour a mischief: as men dig with labour and pains for a thing that they would fain have out of the ground] and in his lips (there) is as a burning fire. [to wit, of slander, whereby he with an hot and eager desire brandeth the good name and repute of his neighbour, that he may utterly undo him. Compare above chapter 12.18.]
28. A forward man [See above chapter 6.on verse 14.] will cast in strife: [see on the same place. Compare above chapter 15.18. and below chapter 26.21. and 29.22.] and a whisperer [that is, a secret back biter, who privily speaketh evil of his neighbour. So below cha.18.8. and 26.20,21.] separateth the chiefest friend: [or, leader, and predecessor; to wit, of friends: that is, the best and chiefest friend of all. So below chapter 17.9. also compare Psalms 55:14. Oth. Separeteth the Prince: that is, Princes, from one another.]
29. A man of violence [That is, that practiseth violence, wickedness, and injustice, see Job 11:11. Psalms 5:7. and the annot.] enticeth his neighbour: [he doth not onely oppress and wrong others himself; but striveth also to draw in his neighbour, or companion, to do the same with him. See above ch.1.11. and of the Hebrew word, Judg.14.on verse 15.] and he leadeth him into a way, that is not good: [see above chap.2.on verse 12.]
30. He shutteth his eyes to devise frowardnesses: [That is, he closet or shutteth his eyes, that he may the better busy himself with forward and perverse thoughts: for by the beholding of outward objects, the inward senses are stopped and hindered in their workings and operations. Compare above chap.6.14. and the annot.] biting his lips [Hebr. Cutting in, or, speedily stirring, and moving, and breaking off his speeches; that is, propounding, or uttering one part of them, and keeping back, or concealing of the other, which he properly intendeth, in his heart] he bringeth evil [to wit, the evil which he intendeth to do unto his neighbour] to pass. [to wit, fully concluding and intending it in the thoughts of his heart.]
31. The hoariness is a beautiful crown: [That is, that bringeth beauty or glory to a man. See above chap.4.on verse 9. Hebr. Crown of beauty, or, glory. Compare also above chapter 12. On verse 4. Also below cha.20.27.] it is found in the way of righteousness. [Otherwise called the paths of judgement. See above ch.2.8. and the annot. The meaning is, that the godly do often get the Crown, to wit, when it is good for them. Or understand that hoariness (or the hoary head) is a path of righteousness. Compare Psalms 37:11, 18, 27. And the annot. See also above chap.3.on ver.2.]
32. The long-suffering (man) [Hebr. Long of wraths. See above ch.14.on verse 29.] is better then the mighty (man) : and he that hath rule over his (own) spirit, [that is, his own will, inclination, affections, passions, motions, that are evil. See 2 Kings 19.on verse 7.] then he that taketh a City.
33. The lot [Which in former times was much used, in the dividing of inheritances, Numb.26.25. Jos.18.10. and 19.1. Mat.2.5. and of Other goods, Psalm 22 19. Above chapter 14. Also in the executing, and ordering of divine, and holy matters, Lev.16.8, etc. 1 Chron.24.5, &c. Acts 1:25. also in the deciding of controversies, and other doubtful things, Jos.7.14. 1 Sa.14.41. below chapter 18.18. Jonah 1:7.] is cast into the lap: [or, in a close vessel, or secret place. Compare below Chapter 17.23.] but the whole disposing thereof [the Hebrew word signifieth principally judgement, but here it is taken for the disposing; that is, the guiding, and governing of a thing: as the word judging, or converse 16. Also Psalms 96:13. Mic.4.3. Zach.3.7, &c. Oth. The whole judgement of it; that is, that which is judged by the lot] is of the LORD. [to wit, who by his providences so ruleth and directeth the lot, as he will have it fall: insomuch that nothing here happeneth by chance, or blind fortune.]