Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16
Verses 1-33
CHAPTER 16
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."
Verses 2
2. clean—or, "faultless."
weigheth—or, "tries," "judges," implying that they are faulty (Pr 21:2; 24:12).
Verses 3
3. (Compare Margin). Rely on God for success to your lawful purposes.
Verses 4
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.
Verses 5
5. (Compare Pr 3:32).
Verses 6
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).
Verses 7
7. Persecutions, of course, excepted.
Verses 8
8. (Compare Pr 15:6, 16, 17).
Verses 9
9. (Compare Pr 16:3).
directeth—establisheth.
Verses 10
10. The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.
Verses 11
11. are the Lord's … his work—that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men.
Verses 12
12. Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.
Verses 13
13. A specification of the general sentiment of Pr 16:12.
Verses 14
14. This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (1Ki 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.
Verses 15
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).
Verses 16
16. (Compare Pr 3:16; 4:5).
Verses 17
17. The highway—A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil.
keepeth—observes.
Verses 18
18, 19. (Compare Pr 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence
a fall—literally, "sliding."
Verses 19
19. divide the spoil—that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jas 4:6).
Verses 20
20. handleth a matter—wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pr 13:13).
trusteth—(Compare Ps 2:12; 118:8, 9).
Verses 21
21. wise in heart—who rightly consider duty.
sweetness of the lips—eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.
Verses 22
22. Understanding—or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (Pr 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.
Verses 23
23. The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
Verses 24
24. (Compare Pr 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
Verses 25
25. (Compare Pr 14:2).
Verses 26
26. Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.
Verses 27
27. ungodly man—(Compare Pr 6:12).
diggeth up evil—labors for it.
in his lips … fire—His words are calumniating (Jas 3:6).
Verses 28
28. (Compare Pr 6:14; 10:31).
whisperer—prater, talebearer (Pr 18:8; 26:20).
Verses 29
29. violent man—or, "man of mischief" (Pr 3:31).
enticeth—(Pr 1:10).
Verses 30
30. He shutteth his eyes—denoting deep thought (Ps 64:6).
moving his lips—or, "biting his lips"—a determined purpose (Pr 6:13).
Verses 31
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.
Verses 32
32. (Compare Pr 14:29).
taketh a city—that is, by fighting.
Verses 33
33. Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.