Proverbs 16 - Introduction
_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._... [ Continue Reading ]
_The preparations of the heart in man_, &c. As we read this verse, it teacheth us a great truth, that we are _not sufficient of ourselves to think_, or speak, _any thing of ourselves_, that is wise and good, but _all our sufficiency is of God_, who is with the heart and with the mouth, and _works in... [ Continue Reading ]
_All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes_ Men can easily flatter and deceive themselves into a good opinion of themselves, and of their own actions, though they be sinful; _but the Lord weigheth the spirits _ He as exactly knows, as men do the things which they weigh and examine, the hearts of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Commit thy works unto the Lord_ Hebrew, גל אל יהוה, literally, _Roll unto the Lord_, &c., namely, as a man rolls to another a burden, which is too heavy for himself, imploring his help. Refer all thy actions and concerns to God, and to his glory, as the end of them; and, in the discharge of thy dut... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord hath made all things_ And especially all men; _for himself_ For his own service and glory; for the discovery and illustration of his own wisdom, power, goodness, truth, justice, and his other most glorious perfections. The Hebrew, כל פעל יהוה, is, literally, _The Lord hath wrought_, or _do... [ Continue Reading ]
_By mercy and truth iniquity is purged_ By the covenant of grace, in which mercy and truth shine so bright, even the mercy and truth of God, which meet together, and kiss each other, in Jesus Christ the Mediator; by mercy in promising, and truth in performing, is the guilt of sin taken away from us,... [ Continue Reading ]
_When a man's ways please the Lord_ The best way to have our enemies reconciled unto us, is for us first to be reconciled unto God; for such is the love which the Lord hath to pious and virtuous persons, that when all their designs and actions are such as he approves, he often inclines even those th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Better is a little_, &c. A small estate, honestly gotten and usefully employed, is much to be preferred before vast incomes, gathered by oppression, and kept without the exercise of mercy and charity. This was, in effect, said before, Proverbs 15:16, (where see the note,) and is here repeated, part... [ Continue Reading ]
_A man's heart deviseth his way_ Considers and proposes to himself what he will do; designs an end, and contrives by what means he may attain it; _but the Lord directeth his steps_ Ruleth and disposeth all his intentions and actions as he pleases, determining what the event shall be, and ordering hi... [ Continue Reading ]
_A divine sentence_ Hebrew, קסם, _divination_, (a word which is sometimes taken in a good sense for _prudence_, as Isaiah 3:2,) that is, great sagacity, and a piercing judgment to discern dubious and difficult cases; _is in the lips of the king_ Of a _wise_ king, who only is worthy of the name and o... [ Continue Reading ]
_A just weight, &c., are the Lord's_ Are God's work, as it follows; made by his direction and appointment, so that no man can corrupt or alter them, without violating God's rights and authority, and incurring his displeasure. In other words, the administration of public justice by the magistrate is... [ Continue Reading ]
_It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness_ They should not only abstain from all wicked practices, but abhor them, both in their own persons, and in all their servants and subjects. It is too plain that he speaks not of the common practice, but of the duty of kings, as in Proverbs 16:10. A... [ Continue Reading ]
_Righteous lips are the delight of kings_ All wise and good kings do, and all kings should, delight in employing such counsellors, judges, and officers, under them, as are just and faithful in their counsels, sentences, and actions; because such bring great honour and advantage to them. _The wrath o... [ Continue Reading ]
_How much better is it_ It is inexpressibly and inconceivably better _to get wisdom than gold_ Because it brings a man more certain, and complete, and lasting comfort and advantage. _The way of the upright_ Their common road, in which they constantly desire, purpose, and endeavour to walk; _is to de... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that handleth a matter wisely_, &c. “He that understands his business thoroughly, and manages it prudently and discreetly, is likely to have good success; but no one is so happy, no one is so sure of prospering in his designs, as he that confides more in God than in his own skill and industry.”... [ Continue Reading ]
_Understanding is a well-spring of life_ A clear understanding and right judgment of things, like an inexhaustible spring, gives perpetual comfort and satisfaction to him who has it, and makes him very useful unto others; _but the instruction of fools is folly_ Their learning is frivolous and vain;... [ Continue Reading ]
_There is a way_, &c. See on Proverbs 14:12. _He that laboureth, laboureth for himself_ For his own use and benefit. Solomon's design in this proverb is, to condemn idleness, and to commend diligence, in a man's calling; _for his mouth craveth it of him_ Hebrew, אכ Š עליו, _boweth to him_, namely, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_An ungodly man diggeth up evil_ Invents or designs mischief to others, and prosecutes his evil designs with great and constant industry; _in his lips is as a burning coal_ As his thoughts, so also his words, are very vexatious and pernicious; his tongue is set on fire of hell, and sets himself and... [ Continue Reading ]
_A violent man_ Hebrew, _a man of violence_, that is, devoted to violent and injurious courses; _enticeth his neighbour_ Into a confederacy with him in his wicked practices; _and leadeth him into the way that is not good_ That is, into a way that is very sinful, as this phrase is frequently used. _H... [ Continue Reading ]
_The hoary head is a crown of glory_ A great honour and ornament, as it is a singular blessing of God, and a token of great experience and prudence; _if it be found in the way of righteousness_ If it be accompanied with true piety, otherwise an old _sinner is accursed, Isaiah 65:20_. “Old age,” says... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that is slow to anger_ That can suppress its motions, and does not revenge, but shows himself ready to forgive injuries; _is better than the mighty_ Because he is more like God, more wise to foresee, and to prevent mischief both to himself and others, which often arises from rash anger; of a mor... [ Continue Reading ]
_The lot is cast into the lap_ As the ancient practice was in dividing inheritances, and deciding in doubtful cases; _but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord_ The event, though casual to men, is directed and determined by God's counsel and providence. But it is to be well observed, that when... [ Continue Reading ]