Proverbs 16
BSB1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. 2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD. 3 Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved. 4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster. 5 Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished. 6 By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. 8 Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice. 11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern. 12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. 14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. 17 The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 26 A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. 27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. 30 He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Proverbs 16
- Themes from Proverbs 16
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Proverbs 16
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 16 begins by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's plans, as seen in Proverbs 16:1, which states, "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." The chapter then highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being guided by God's wisdom and the wicked being led astray by their own evil desires. In Proverbs 16:9, it is written, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." This chapter also discusses the importance of humility, honesty, and kindness, as well as the dangers of pride, greed, and violence. Throughout the chapter, the reader is encouraged to seek wisdom and to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Context for the Chapter
Proverbs 16 is part of the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wisdom sayings and teachings. The book of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom and insight. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book, which emphasizes the importance of living a life of wisdom and integrity. The chapter also connects to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His plans.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Proverbs 16, we are encouraged to trust in God's plans and to seek His will in all that we do. We are also reminded of the importance of living a life of wisdom and integrity, and of avoiding the dangers of pride and greed. By applying these principles to our lives, we can experience true success and fulfillment, and we can bring glory to God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Proverbs 16 teaches us to trust in God's plans and to seek His will in all that we do. We are reminded of the importance of living a life of wisdom and integrity, and of avoiding the dangers of pride and greed. As seen in Proverbs 16:9, God establishes our steps, and we should trust in His guidance. By applying these principles to our lives, we can experience true success and fulfillment.
Voices from the Church
“The sovereignty of God is a doctrine that is full of comfort to the child of God, but it is a doctrine that is full of terror to the sinner.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The wisdom of God is not a wisdom that is limited to human understanding, but it is a wisdom that is infinite and eternal.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to God's Sovereignty (Proverbs 16:1-5) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance.
- The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 16:6-11) — The chapter highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being guided by God's wisdom and the wicked being led astray by their own evil desires.
- The Dangers of Pride and Greed (Proverbs 16:12-15) — The chapter warns against the dangers of pride and greed, which can lead to destruction and chaos in our lives.
- The Importance of Trusting in God (Proverbs 16:16-22) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, and of seeking His will in all that we do.
- Conclusion and Final Thoughts (Proverbs 16:23-33) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of living a life of wisdom and integrity, and of avoiding the dangers of pride and greed.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Proverbs 16 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, highlighting His sovereignty over all things.
- The Importance of Wisdom
- The chapter teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom and living a life of integrity, as seen in Proverbs 16:16.
- The Dangers of Pride and Greed
- The chapter warns against the dangers of pride and greed, which can lead to destruction and chaos in our lives.
- The Importance of Trusting in God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, and of seeking His will in all that we do.
Lessons from Proverbs 16
- The Importance of Trusting in God — We learn from Proverbs 16:1 and Proverbs 16:9 that trusting in God's plans and guidance is essential for living a life of wisdom and integrity.
- The Dangers of Pride and Greed — The chapter teaches us that pride and greed can lead to destruction and chaos in our lives, as seen in Proverbs 16:5 and Proverbs 16:19.
- The Importance of Seeking Wisdom — Proverbs 16:16 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and living a life of integrity.
- The Balance Between Human Planning and God's Sovereignty — We learn from Proverbs 16:9 that while we make plans, it is ultimately God who determines the outcome.
- The Importance of Living a Life of Integrity — The chapter teaches us that living a life of integrity is essential for experiencing true success and fulfillment, as seen in Proverbs 16:20.
Themes from Proverbs 16
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, highlighting His sovereignty over all things.
- Human Responsibility — We learn from Proverbs 16:1 and Proverbs 16:9 that human responsibility is to trust in God's plans and to seek His will in all that we do.
- The Importance of Wisdom — The chapter teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom and living a life of integrity, as seen in Proverbs 16:16.
- The Dangers of Pride and Greed — The chapter warns against the dangers of pride and greed, which can lead to destruction and chaos in our lives.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, and of seeking His will in all that we do.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Proverbs 16:1 teach us about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
- How does the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in Proverbs 16:6-11 relate to our own lives?
- What are some practical ways that we can apply the principles of Proverbs 16:12-15 to our lives?
- What does Proverbs 16:20 teach us about the importance of trusting in God?
- How can we balance our own plans and desires with the recognition of God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 16:9?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to God's Sovereignty (Proverbs 16:1-5)
| 16:1 | The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. |
| 16:2 | All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. |
| 16:3 | Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. |
| 16:4 | The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil. |
| 16:5 | Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly, he will not go unpunished. |
2. The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 16:6-11)
| 16:6 | By mercy and truth, iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. |
| 16:7 | When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. |
| 16:8 | Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice. |
| 16:9 | The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. |
| 16:10 | A divine decision is in the lips of the king; his mouth should not err in judgment. |
| 16:11 | A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; all the weights of the bag are His concern. |
3. The Dangers of Pride and Greed (Proverbs 16:12-15)
| 16:12 | It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness. |
| 16:13 | Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right. |
| 16:14 | The wrath of a king is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. |
| 16:15 | In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. |
4. The Importance of Trusting in God (Proverbs 16:16-22)
| 16:16 | How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. |
| 16:17 | The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who watches his way preserves his life. |
| 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. |
| 16:19 | It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud. |
| 16:20 | Whoever gives attention to a matter will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. |
| 16:21 | The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. |
| 16:22 | Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the discipline of fools is folly. |
5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (Proverbs 16:23-33)
| 16:23 | The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. |
| 16:24 | Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. |
| 16:25 | There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. |
| 16:26 | A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on. |
| 16:27 | A worthless man digs up evil, and his lips are like a burning fire. |
| 16:28 | A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. |
| 16:29 | A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. |
| 16:30 | He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things, and he who compresses his lips is bent on evil. |
| 16:31 | A crown of glory is the gray head of an old man, and it is found in the way of righteousness. |
| 16:32 | He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who captures a city. |
| 16:33 | The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Proverbs 16?
The main theme of Proverbs 16 is the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, and of seeking His will in all that we do, as seen in Proverbs 16:1 and Proverbs 16:9.
How does Proverbs 16 relate to the rest of the book of Proverbs?
Proverbs 16 is part of the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wisdom sayings and teachings. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book, which emphasizes the importance of living a life of wisdom and integrity.
What are some key principles that we can apply to our lives from Proverbs 16?
Some key principles that we can apply to our lives from Proverbs 16 include the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, the dangers of pride and greed, and the importance of seeking wisdom and living a life of integrity.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:1 → Psalms 37:23 | Both Proverbs 16:1 and Psalms 37:23 emphasize the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:9 → Jeremiah 10:23 | Both Proverbs 16:9 and Jeremiah 10:23 remind us that while we make plans, it is ultimately God who determines the outcome. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:16 → Matthew 13:44 | Both Proverbs 16:16 and Matthew 13:44 teach us the importance of seeking wisdom and living a life of integrity. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:20 → John 14:1 | Both Proverbs 16:20 and John 14:1 remind us of the importance of trusting in God and seeking His will in all that we do. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:25 → Romans 3:10 | Both Proverbs 16:25 and Romans 3:10 warn against the dangers of self-deception and the importance of seeking God's truth. |
| 6 | Proverbs 16:27 → 2 Timothy 3:13 | Both Proverbs 16:27 and 2 Timothy 3:13 remind us of the dangers of evil speech and the importance of speaking the truth in love. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:32 → 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 | Both Proverbs 16:32 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 teach us the importance of self-control and patience in our relationships with others. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:33 → Acts 1:26 | Both Proverbs 16:33 and Acts 1:26 remind us that God is sovereign over all things, including the decisions we make and the outcomes we experience. |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:1-5 → Isaiah 46:10 | The theme of God's sovereignty in Proverbs 16:1-5 is also seen in Isaiah 46:10, which reminds us that God's plans will stand. |
| 10 | Proverbs 16:6-11 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The contrast between the righteous and the wicked in Proverbs 16:6-11 is also seen in Matthew 25:31-46, which reminds us of the importance of living a life of righteousness. |
Sermons on Proverbs 16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the journey of faith. They encourage listeners to seek solutions and growth in their spiritual |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 4 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of money and the potential loss that can occur if we don't take breaks. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and not consta |
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Wolves by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds am |
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Humility vs Pride by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's r |
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God's Neibourhood by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our minds, hearts, and affections on eternal things where God dwells. They highlight the contrast between the value |
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Brokenness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in |
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(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without con |
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Dependence Upon the Lord by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all asp |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs 16
In Proverbs 16, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's plans and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 16:1 and Proverbs 16:9. The chapter also highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being guided by God's wisdom and the wicked being led astray by their own evil desires. We are encouraged to seek wisdom and to live a life of integrity, avoiding the dangers of pride and greed. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.' By applying the principles of this chapter to our lives, we can experience true success and fulfillment, and we can bring glory to God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Trusting in God
Throughout the chapter, we see the emphasis on trusting in God's plans and guidance. This is seen in verses such as Proverbs 16:1 and Proverbs 16:9, which remind us that God is sovereign and that we should trust in His will.
The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The chapter highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, with the righteous being guided by God's wisdom and the wicked being led astray by their own evil desires.
The Dangers of Pride and Greed
The chapter warns against the dangers of pride and greed, which can lead to destruction and chaos in our lives. This is seen in verses such as Proverbs 16:5 and Proverbs 16:19.