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