Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16:1

Every right inclination, thought, or purpose, in the heart, and all right management of our words, are entirely the free gift and work of God

Proverbs 16:2

Ignorance and self-conceit make men often to think themselves faultless and holy in their conduct: when the Lord, who searches and judges the intentions and frame of the heart, finds it quite otherwise

Proverbs 16:3

Commit whatever works you undertake to the direction and management of God in his providence, and implore his blessing therein, so shall your honest desires be accomplished

Proverbs 16:4

God made and manages all creatures for his own service, and for the manifestation of his glorious perfections; yea, even the wicked, to be instruments of his just vengeance, and at last the objects of it, by continuing in their impieties

Proverbs 16:5

When men are inwardly proud, on account of their gifts, honours, or wealth, God hates them, and will certainly punish them in their pride

Proverbs 16:6

By God’s exercise of his mercy and faithfulness in giving his Son, and fulfilling his promises, men’s iniquity is expiated, pardoned, and subdued; and even, by their exercise of mercy, equity, and fidelity, the punishment of sin in outward calamities is often prevented. And by the fear of God implanted in the heart, and a continued holy regard to his law, men hate, watch against, and avoid, sin; and so escape the fearful consequences of it

Proverbs 16:7

When a man makes it his habitual and earnest endeavour to receive Christ, and walk in him soberly, righteously, and godly, the Lord, as his God reconciled in Christ, inclines even those that were his foes to become his friends

Proverbs 16:8

A small estate honestly gotten, and cheerfully enjoyed, is preferable to vast incomes heaped up by oppression, and kept without hospitality

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s mind fixes its end, contrives the means, and perhaps reckons upon the success: but the Lord determines the event, and orders every motion and step taken towards it

Proverbs 16:10

The edicts, commands, and decisions, of kings ought always to be directed by the unerring law of God; and their decisions ought to be so just and exact, that no man may be wronged thereby

Proverbs 16:11

The Lord requires that, even in our private dealings, every thing, even the smallest, should be managed with the most scrupulous integrity and equity

Proverbs 16:12

Kings, being in the most exalted station, ought to be distinguished patterns of piety and virtue, and to countenance it in others, as the only security of their throne

Proverbs 16:13

Kings ought highly to value and love sincere and faithful advisers, who truly inform them of what tends to their own and their kingdoms’ welfare

Proverbs 16:14

The wrath of a king is almost as terrifying as a message of death, and, especially in despotic governments, often issues in death to its object: but virtuous and prudent courtiers will pacify it, and make a reconciliation

Proverbs 16:15

The favour and gracious smiles of a prince are extremely reviving and comfortable, and fruitful of expected happiness, especially to such as he had been formerly incensed against

Proverbs 16:16

But real religion, and a solid understanding to discern between good and evil, are preferable to all the wealth that kings can bestow or industry procure

Proverbs 16:17

It is the constant aim and endeavour of upright men to decline every thing that is evil, and to follow that which is good: and, by heedful care of their thoughts, words, and actions, their souls and bodies are, through the grace and providence of God, preserved from destruction

Proverbs 16:18

Pride and haughtiness are the ordinary forerunners of debasement and misery, and the means of bringing it on men

Proverbs 16:19

It is better, in imitation of Christ and his dear saints, to submit to the meanest condition, and patiently to bear injuries, than to partake of victories, spoil, and wealth, along with the proud

Proverbs 16:20

They, who understand business thoroughly, and manage it prudently and discreetly, bid fair to have good success: but it is only by trusting in God that true and everlasting happiness can be obtained

Proverbs 16:21

They, whose heart is well furnished with experimental knowledge of God’s word, take the proper method to obtain an high reputation for wisdom and prudence: and, if they can with eloquence and clearness communicate their instructions, it will greatly tend to the edification of others

Proverbs 16:22

Spiritual knowledge and grace are the beginning and earnest of eternal life, are comfortable to him who enjoys them, and useful to others: but the learning of fools is frivolous and vain: and even their instructions do but render men foolish. 23, 24. The enlightened mind of a wise man instructs him to speak judiciously and pertinently, gives weight of evidence to what he says, and renders it pleasant to the hearer, as a honeycomb is to the mouth, and nourishing and strengthening as marrow is to the bones

Proverbs 16:25

Many are highly pleased with their own ways, even when they are such as tend to their ruin, spiritual, temporal, and eternal

Proverbs 16:26

He that, prompted by his wants, labours in worldly employments, procures his own preservation in life: whereas he, who labours in plaguing others, will find even every evil word turn to his own hurt

Proverbs 16:27

Wicked men with great pains contrive and labour to do mischief, as if treasures could be gained by it: and their lying, slanderous, and insolent, speeches are very injurious, painful, and destructive

Proverbs 16:28

Persons of a perverse, passionate, and contentious, spirit, raise dissensions among those who are inclined to live at peace; and they, who secretly defame, backbite, detract, and whisper about false stories, make breaches between the kindest neighbours and dearest relations. 29, 30. Such as are eager to do mischief, or live by violence and rapine, not content to do wrong themselves, entice others to become their companions, and then lead them into the most pernicious courses. With profound study they contrive the ruin of others; and then, by their advice, or giving of the sign, it is furiously effected

Proverbs 16:33

Events to us are fortuitous as the lot which is cast into the lap of a garment, or into a hollow vessel: but to God all things are known, and all decreed; and nothing, no not the drawing of the lot, happens but according to his eternal counsels, and by the particular direction of his providence. ***