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Proverbs 16

World English Bible

WEB

1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. 2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the motives. 3Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed. 4Yahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; they shall certainly not be unpunished. 6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil. 7When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. 10Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. 11Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. 12It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth. 14The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. 16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. 19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. 20He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. 21The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. 22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly. 23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 26The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on. 27A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire. 28A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. 29A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. 30One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. 31Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. 32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 16 presents a rich tapestry of wisdom that emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of aligning our plans with His will. The chapter begins by stating that while humans may devise their plans, it is ultimately the Lord who directs their steps (#Proverbs 16:1-3). This highlights the necessity of seeking divine guidance in all our endeavors, reminding us that our intentions must be submitted to God's greater purpose. The verse encourages believers to commit their work to the Lord, assuring that their plans will succeed when they are in harmony with His will.

The chapter continues with a series of proverbs that contrast the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It emphasizes the value of humility and the fear of the Lord, stating that pride leads to destruction (#Proverbs 16:18). The wise are encouraged to seek understanding and to be patient in their responses, as a soft answer can turn away wrath (#Proverbs 16:21-24). Additionally, the text underscores the importance of integrity in leadership, asserting that a king who rules with righteousness will establish a stable kingdom (#Proverbs 16:10-12).

In conclusion, Proverbs 16 serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority and the need for believers to trust in His plans. It calls us to live with wisdom, humility, and integrity, ensuring that our lives reflect the character of Christ. As we navigate our daily lives, may we continually seek the Lord's guidance, recognizing that true success comes from aligning our hearts with His purposes.

#Proverbs #Wisdom #Sovereignty #Humility #Integrity

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Referenced by

  1. Deuteronomy 17:20v18Deuteronomy 17:20 warns the king against pride and turning away from God's commandments, a theme echoed in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride precedes destruction.
  2. Joshua 18:10v33Joshua 18:10 describes the casting of lots to divide the land, which aligns with Proverbs 16:33, emphasizing that the outcome of the lot is determined by the Lord.
  3. 2 Chronicles 14:7v72 Chronicles 14:7 speaks of building and prospering because the land was at peace, which aligns with Proverbs 16:7, indicating that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
  4. 2 Chronicles 26:16v182 Chronicles 26:16 describes how Uzziah's pride led to his downfall, as he attempted to burn incense in the temple, a duty reserved for priests. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes destruction, illustrating the danger of arrogance.
  5. 2 Chronicles 27:6v72 Chronicles 27:6 notes that Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord, which aligns with Proverbs 16:7, stating that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
  6. Esther 6:10v9In Esther 6:10, Haman is instructed to honor Mordecai, which is an unexpected turn of events. Proverbs 16:9 speaks to the idea that while humans plan their course, it is the Lord who establishes their steps, illustrating God's control over human affairs.
  7. Job 21:30v4Job 21:30 states that the wicked are reserved for the day of calamity, aligning with Proverbs 16:4 which declares that the Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
  8. Psalms 20:4v3Psalm 20:4 expresses a desire for God to grant the desires of the heart, which aligns with Proverbs 16:3, where committing one's works to the LORD leads to established plans.
  9. Psalms 37:23v9Psalm 37:23 speaks of the Lord establishing the steps of a good man, which is related to Proverbs 16:9, where it is stated that a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
  10. Psalms 127:1v3Psalm 127:1 emphasizes the futility of human efforts without the Lord's blessing, which is echoed in Proverbs 16:3, where committing one's works to the Lord ensures their establishment.
  11. Ecclesiastes 4:13v32Ecclesiastes 4:13 values wisdom over age and status, similar to Proverbs 16:32, which values self-control and wisdom over physical might and power.
  12. Jeremiah 10:23v9Jeremiah 10:23 acknowledges that human ways are not in their own control, similar to Proverbs 16:9, which states that while a man plans his way, the LORD directs his steps.
  13. Ezekiel 28:17v18Ezekiel 28:17 speaks of the heart being lifted up because of beauty, leading to corruption, which aligns with Proverbs 16:18, stating that pride goes before destruction.
  14. Ezekiel 31:10v18Ezekiel 31:10 speaks of the pride of the Assyrian king leading to his downfall. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction, illustrating a consistent biblical theme that pride leads to downfall.
  15. Daniel 1:9v7Daniel 1:9 shows that God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. Proverbs 16:7 states that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, illustrating how God's favor can influence relationships.
  16. James 3:5v27James 3:5 compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a forest ablaze, similar to Proverbs 16:27, which describes a worthless man digging up evil and his speech as a scorching fire.

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