Proverbs 15:1 ¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
A soft, tender-hearted answer calms things, but lies and hurtful words promote anger. I think everyone recognizes this truth. It takes great discipline in the heat of a verbal attack to control one’s tongue and answer softly. The Hebrew actually references being tender-hearted in one’s response, showing sensitivity and kindness. That is even harder. However, the indwelling Holy Spirit can and will strengthen us to do that very thing if we will but yield to Him.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Guzik quoting Garrett: “Many conflicts arise not because the issues separating the parties are so great but because of the temperaments people bring to a confrontation.”
Proverbs 15:2 ¶ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Simply put—The wise person speaks wisely, and the foolish person speaks foolishly. Wisdom is predicated on fear and reverence of God; foolishness is a result of showing no reverence for God or His word. I’m reminded of the old saying, “What goes in, must come out.” A person who takes in the word of God with a desire to be obedient to God’s will is more likely to respond accordingly. A person who only takes in the “so called” wisdom of this world is bound to respond with no respect for God and His word. This truth is on very public display on all media platforms in our world today.
Clarke on “useth knowledge aright”: “This is very difficult to know: — when to speak, and when to be silent; what to speak, and what to leave unspoken; the manner that is best and most suitable to the occasion, the subject, the circumstances, and the persons. All these are difficulties, often even to the wisest men. Even wise counsel may be foolishly given.”
Proverbs 15:3 ¶ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
If people, including Christians, really believed the truth declared in this verse, I believe the world would be a much better place. The Hebrew for “beholding” indicates more than just seeing; it indicates that the LORD is leaning forward to observe and watch.
This truth has become a great comfort to me in my later years. In spite of the many ways I have let my LORD down, I know that he is fully aware of each one and loves me unconditionally. As I have grown older, I am much more constantly aware of that truth; and it has a direct effect on the choices I make as to how to spend my time each day, the demeanor I project to others, my reactions when driving, etc. I am alone much of the time, and this is the prime truth that motivates me as I approach each new day. If only I had really embraced this truth at a much younger age! It’s an important truth to teach our children and grandchildren. There are other verses in scripture that affirm this truth.
2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”
Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Chuck Smith: “You say, ‘Oh, I thought that God was too holy as to behold evil. Or to look upon evil.’ God cannot look upon sin. That word look upon is an implication. To look upon it with favor or condoning it, He cannot do that. But He surely sees it. He’s not blind.”
Proverbs 15:4 ¶ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
One with a wholesome tongue speaks in a way that promotes healing and promotes what is good. In that regard, it promotes a healthy life. One with a perverse tongue speaks with distortion or deceit and promotes what is evil; it leads to the destruction of life. A wholesome tongue promotes peace; a perverse tongue promotes discord.
Courson: “The problem with being deceptive is that you become so good at deceiving that you deceive even yourself.”
Proverbs 15:5 ¶ A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Once again, we remind ourselves that Solomon is writing from the perspective of a man that honors the LORD. Such a father will counsel his son with wisdom, and a wise son will heed such reproof and correction. Only a foolish son will scorn or show contempt for such counsel.
William McDonald: “We have met this fool before. He considers his father out-dated, his ideas old-fashioned and his instruction worthless.”
Guzik quoting Garrett: "One’s attitude toward parental teaching will determine one’s lifelong attitude toward authority and instruction.”
Ironside: “It is foolish not to learn from one who has walked the path before you.”
Proverbs 15:6 ¶ In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The home of a righteous man is one that stores up treasure and strength (from the Hebrew). The home of a wicked man is one that stores up trouble. I think the more striking contrast is viewed in light of spiritual wealth and strength vs. worldly treasure.
I liked Henry’s comments: “God blesses the habitation of the just, and that blessing makes rich without trouble. Or, if there be not much of this world's goods, yet where there is grace there is true treasure; and those who have but little, if they have a heart to be therewith content, and to enjoy the comfort of that little, it is enough; it is all riches. The righteous perhaps are not themselves enriched, but there is treasure in their house, a blessing in store, which their children after them may reap the benefit of….Where wickedness is, though there may be riches, yet there is vexation of spirit with them.”
Proverbs 15:7 ¶ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
I think the NLT states it well: “Only the wise can give good advice; fools cannot do so.” Short and to the point and repeated so many times already in this book of proverbs.
Ironside: “In place of idle jokes and unkind speeches, the words of the wise bring profit and blessing—the true knowledge that edifies the hearer.”
Proverbs 15:8 ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:9 ¶ The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Verse 8 addresses the sacrifices or prayers of a person while verse 9 addresses one’s way of life. I believe Solomon had learned the connection between sacrifice and prayer from his father.
Psalm 141:2 “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
The prophet Isaiah, many years later, affirmed this connection.
Isaiah 56:7 “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”
The LORD delights in the prayers of His people; He loves those that follow Him in faith and obedience. The LORD is disgusted by the prayers or sacrifices of those that are just going through the motions with no true respect for Him; He despises their way of life. I think it is important to note that the LORD focuses His disgust to their way of life. He loves the person and desires that they turn to Him in faith and obedience.
Ezekiel 33:11 “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live….”
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
1 Timothy 2:3–4 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Proverbs 15:10 ¶ Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
“The way” in context is in reference to the right way, the way of faith and obedience to the LORD. To “forsake” the right way is to choose to leave it entirely, to abandon it (per Webster). A person that makes that choice hates to be corrected and is on the path to destruction and death.
Proverbs 15:11 ¶ Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
This is an odd comparison to me. Solomon is basically saying that the LORD knows all about hell and destruction. If He is aware of that, how much more is He observant and aware of the hearts, the thoughts and motives, of men and women.
Trapp: “We, silly fishes, see one another jerked out of the pond of life by the hand of death; but we see not the frying pan and the fire that they are cast into, that ‘die in their sins,’ and refuse to be reformed. Cast they are into utter darkness.”
Proverbs 15:12 ¶ A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
One who is scornful and mocking toward others does not like those that would dare reprove him; he would never choose to seek advice from a wise man. This sounds like a person with a hardened heart. To scorn and mock those that choose to follow God in faith and obedience is to scorn and mock God. Jesus made that clear to Saul on the road to Damascus.
Acts 26:14–15 “…Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”
Saul was persecuting Christians, and Jesus declared that in doing so he was persecuting Him.
Ironside: “It will be solemn indeed when the wicked must account for opportunities refused, instruction neglected, and grace despised.”
Proverbs 15:13 ¶ A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
This verse is basically saying that you can tell whether a heart is merry or sorrowful just by looking at a person’s face. One whose heart is merry will generally have a smile or sparkle about their look. One who is broken-hearted or sorrowful will usually project a downcast or burdened demeanor. I can usually even make that discernment by talking to someone on the phone; you can hear it in their voice.
Ironside: “The portion of the one who tries to carry his own sorrows and daily cares is a burdened heart. He fails to turn all over to Him who so delights to bear our cares for us. Nothing breaks the spirit like hidden grief; but this need not be the condition of the saint who will allow the Lord Jesus to be not only his sin-bearer, but his burden-bearer too.”
Proverbs 15:14 ¶ The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
A person with understanding is one that is discerning and wise; such a person always seeks to broaden his knowledge base. A foolish person is only interested in knowing what will contribute to his foolishness, his desires to feed his flesh in pride and selfishness without regard to God or His word.
Ironside: “Our food has much to do with making us what we are. The same is true of us morally. We become like that on which we feed; and we feed on what our hearts crave.”
Proverbs 15:15 ¶ All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
This verse addresses the contrast between the lives of the person who is needy and afflicted and the person that is well favored with a pleasant life. The afflicted person’s life is filled with trouble; the person with a merry heart enjoys the bounty of life every day.
I think the contrast is focused on the attitude of the heart. In that regard, the application is to spiritual poverty vs. spiritual blessing. I believe that no one can truly have a merry heart that does not honor and respect the LORD and His word. They may fool themselves into thinking differently, but they will one day have to face their maker and will sadly realize too late how deluded they were. There are those that live in humble circumstances and/or suffer much due to the effects of sin on this world but who have joyful hearts because of their confident expectation of an eternal future in the presence of the LORD. It was this confidence that kept Job going.
Job 19:25–27 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”
Proverbs 15:16 ¶ Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
These verses go hand-in-hand. Simply put, it is better to be a poor man that fears the LORD than to be a rich man without such fear. It is better to have only simple food to eat and be loved than it is to have steak to eat and no love in your life. The main connection is love, and love is of God. God is love, and without Him in your life you cannot experience true love.
1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
1 John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
Proverbs 15:18 ¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Another obvious truth, a man with a hot temper stirs up trouble, but a person who is more self-controlled and slow to anger promotes peace.
Proverbs 15:19 ¶ The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
In this verse the righteous man is in contrast to the slothful or lazy man. One who is lazy ends up having a hard time navigating through life as a consequence of not applying himself to the work necessary to provide for himself. The righteous man is aware of the need to work and applies himself so as to provide for himself.
Spurgeon: “Unthinking persons suppose that the sluggard lives a happy life and travels an easy road. It is not so. Many believe in ‘the sweet doing of nothing,’ but it is a sheer fiction. Surface appearances are not the truth: though it may seem that idleness is rest, it is not so….Labour of a holy sort has ten thousand times more joy in it than purposeless leisure.”
Proverbs 15:20 ¶ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
I believe you could switch the words father and mother and not change the meaning of this proverb. Solomon is referencing the parental unit. A wise son gives pleasure to his parents. A foolish son dishonors his parents. Again, the perspective is one of parents that follow God in faith and obedience and have taught their children accordingly.
Proverbs 15:21 ¶ Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Sadly, those that lack wisdom, that do not reverence the LORD, take pleasure in sinful things. Those that are wise, however, realize that such pleasure is temporary and carries a far greater consequence than it is worth.
Scripture doesn’t deny that sin gives one pleasure—but only for a season. The time of coming judgment is sure.
Hebrews 11:24–25 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season….”
Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
William McDonald: “A pig enjoys wallowing in the mire, whereas a sheep wants the clean pasture.”
Proverbs 15:22 ¶ Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Solomon is basically saying that when making plans, it is good to get the advice of wise counsellors before moving forward. Wise counsel can help you avoid problems you might not have foreseen without such counsel. You can benefit from the shared knowledge and experiences of others.
Proverbs 15:23 ¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
I liked the NLT: “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” This reminds me of another proverb I memorized as a young person.
Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Proverbs 15:24 ¶ The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
The way of life of a wise person that honors the LORD in faith and obedience leads to eternal life in heaven and rescues him from hell. As one lives life, he/she is sowing the seeds that will determine his eternal destiny.
Galatians 6:7–8 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Proverbs 15:25 ¶ The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
There are so many verses in scripture that declare how the LORD hates pride and how He cares for widows and orphans, the needy and dependent. In this verse, the proud person is contrasted with the widow. He thinks he has everything he needs; she, however, knows she is needy. He has no reverence for the LORD; his god is himself. Contrast implies that she honors God and looks to Him in faith for her provision—and He will not fail her.
Proverbs 15:26 ¶ The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
I am reminded that the words in italics were added by the translators to facilitate understanding. In this verse, Solomon is contrasting the thoughts of the wicked with the thoughts of those who are pure and moral. The truth is applicable whether you say thoughts or words I believe. The LORD detests the thoughts and words of the wicked, but the thoughts and words of one who is morally pure please Him. Wicked thoughts lead to wicked actions; pure thoughts lead to moral actions.
Proverbs 15:27 ¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
This verse draws a contrast between a greedy man and a man that refuses to take bribes. Implied, the greedy man was quite willing to be bribed in his greed for more. The greedy person is setting himself and those of his household up for trouble. The person that refuses to be bribed promotes a life of peace; he doesn’t have to worry about the consequences of such sin.
Proverbs 15:28 ¶ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The guiding truth in this proverb is “Think before you speak.” One who is righteous (godly) will think before speaking. The language of one who is wicked (ungodly) flows with wickedness.
Proverbs 15:29 ¶ The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The significant truth in this proverb is that the LORD hears the prayer of those that reverence Him and seek to obey Him. This truth is echoed many times throughout scripture. John and Peter actually mirror this truth in their writings.
John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
It should be noted, however, that the LORD is ever willing to hear the prayer of one who is turning to Him in faith and repentance.
Proverbs 15:30 ¶ The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Simply put, “A cheerful look promotes joy, and good news promotes health.” I try to keep that in mind when out and about doing errands. I always try to call cashiers and other workers by name and bring a smile to their face with a kind remark.
Proverbs 15:31 ¶ The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
This is yet another statement of the truth that one who is willing to receive reproof and correction is wise.
Henry: “Those that learn well, and obey well, are likely in time to teach well and rule well.”
Proverbs 15:32 ¶ He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
The person that refuses to accept instruction (rebuke, correction) hurts himself most of all. The one that is willing to to accept instruction will grow in wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33 ¶ The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Again, we get the foundational truth for all Solomon’s proverbs. The fear that causes one to reverence the LORD provides the foundation for receiving instruction and wisdom. This requires one to humble himself before the LORD and his parents, the primary instructors that God has placed over him. One who so humbles himself will gain honor.
Proverbs 16:1 ¶ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
This proverb only makes sense in light of one who is seeking to honor the LORD with their life. Such a person has the mental disposition (from Hebrew for “preparations”) of heart to give an answer that is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:2 ¶ All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
I think the NLT explains it: “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.” We all know from experience that it is much easier to judge someone else than it is to judge self. I have found that to judge self gets easier as I have matured spiritually. God, however, knows us intimately; we can hide nothing from Him. He knows our very thoughts and motives.
1 Samuel 16:7 “for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Psalm 139:1–2 “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
This truth is a comfort to this child of God. Knowing everything there is to know about me, He loves me unconditionally. In Jesus, I am accounted righteous before the Father.
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
I liked MacDonald’s comment: “A man’s ways are his outward acts; he judges himself by them and pronounces himself pure. But God sees the motives and intentions of the heart.”
Proverbs 16:3 ¶ Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Solomon tells us the key to success that everyone seeks. One who commits (entrusts, submits) all he does to the LORD will find that his plans prosper. To submit to the LORD is to desire His will to be accomplished in and through us. One who commits himself to the LORD in all he does will consider himself successful when he is part of accomplishing God’s purposes—in whatever way that may become manifest.
Proverbs 16:4 ¶ The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Key truth—The LORD, YHWH, is our Creator. He made everything according to His good pleasure.
Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
God knew everything about every being in His creation before making each one. Those that He knew would choose to do evil, He positioned to use for His own purposes in judgment of peoples and nations as a consequence of sin. He also used/uses them in the spiritual refinement of people of faith—e.g., Job and Joseph.
Proverbs 16:5 ¶ Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
This is just one of the many times in scripture that we are told that the LORD hates pride. A proud person is disgusting to the LORD, and he can in no way avoid punishment for it.
Henry: “The power of sinners cannot secure them against God….Though they may strengthen one another with their confederacies and combinations, joining forces against God, they shall not escape his righteous judgment.”
Proverbs 16:6 ¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
In Solomon’s day, they lived under the dispensation of the law. Acting in reverence and faithful obedience to the LORD reconciled one to the LORD. This was maintained by following the commandments He gave for making sacrifices and offerings. Those who feared the LORD made a conscious choice to obey His commands. One can’t be obedient to the LORD and choose to do evil. To choose obedience is to choose to depart from evil.
Evil is anything that goes against God’s commands. We like to categorize everything—including our sins. There are big sins and little sins, so we conclude. The truth is that every sin is evil. The more we accept that truth, the more likely we are as Christians to live a more obedient life before the LORD.
We are blessed as believers today to be able to rest in the salvation that is ours through the willing sacrifice of Jesus. We don’t have to maintain the law to maintain our relationship to God; that is secured by our faith. We obey Him to show our love and gratitude for the amazing sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Our obedience gives evidence to our salvation.
When we sin—because Jesus was and is the only perfect man—we can rest on the truth of 1John 1:9, often called the Christian’s bar of soap: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
To choose to live in continued disobedience evidences a false profession of faith.
1 John 1:5–6 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth….”
Proverbs 16:7 ¶ When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
When a man lives in a way that is pleasing to the LORD, his actions promote peace—even with his enemies. We know, however, that many Christians have suffered persecution when striving to live a life pleasing to the LORD. In fact, their way of life was/is the reason they were/are persecuted. That does not discount the fact that one who lives in such a way as to please the LORD is one who promotes wisdom, peace, love, mercy, etc. Sad to say, the power of the god of this world (Satan) is growing as the time for the LORD’s return grows ever nearer, and we are more dependent upon the LORD’s intervention than ever to be able to live in peace with those around us.
2 Timothy 3:1 & 12 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come….Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Proverbs 16:8 ¶ Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
This verse is basically saying that it is better to be poor and righteous than it is to be rich and unrighteous. A righteous person is one who reverences the LORD and seeks to do His will as recorded in His word. The righteous person who is poor in this world will be rich in the next.
Guzik: “It isn’t that the only two options in life are to have either little with righteousness or vast revenues without justice. It’s that when those two options are compared, the first is clearly better.”
Proverbs 16:9 ¶ A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
These next two verses are difficult at face value. This verse makes it sound like we are just robots. It makes it sound like no matter what plans a man makes, the LORD either confirms or overrides those plans. This is when I wish I could read the original Hebrew. Because Solomon is teaching his sons, I believe he makes this statement as an encouragement to them. In context, he is exalting wisdom as being rooted in the fear of the LORD that motivates one to reverence and obey Him. The word “way” makes reference to “a course of life.” One who purposes to live his life showing reverence and obedience to the LORD can take comfort in the fact that He will direct your steps (to do right, I believe is implied).
I believe it is also true that God is sovereign and that His plans can never be thwarted by the plans of evil men, as evidenced by men like Haman and Hitler. God can and does ensure that the plans of man are in accordance with His overall will. Those of us who love God and have placed our trust in Him can be assured that He will work everything for good that He allows to happen in our lives.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Proverbs 16:10 ¶ A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
This verse makes it sound like the judgment of a king is never wrong. I believe that you again have to look at the context of Solomon teaching his sons. The position of king (in Israel is the immediate application) was established by God, and he was to rule the people according to the word of God. A king who is functioning within such parameters will only provide answers that align with God’s word and will not violate his moral law.
Deuteronomy 17:14–20 “When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee….And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.”
“divine sentence” = oracle
Webster defines an oracle as an answer of a god. In context, the reference is to the one true God, the God of Israel.
“transgresseth” = trespass
Webster defines trespass as any voluntary transgression of the moral law. We know that the moral law was established by God and revealed in His word.
Proverbs 16:11 ¶ A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
This verse is saying that just and right weights and balances are ordained of the LORD. Weights and balances were and are significant in fair and honest business transactions. If one is purchasing one pound of goods, the weight on the scale against which the purchase is weighed and balanced on the other side of the scale should weigh 16 oz., not 14 or 15. A business person that honors the LORD will always be honest and use lawful weights and balances.
Clarke’s note on “all the weights…” - “Alluding, probably, to the standard weights laid up in a bag in the sanctuary, and to which all weights in common use in the land were to be referred, in order to ascertain whether they were just….”
Proverbs 16:12 ¶ It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
As noted in verse 10, God established the king as ruler in Israel under His authority to rule in accordance with His will. The king who chooses to rule wickedly is disgusting; that is something He abhors.
I was intrigued to read other translations that interpret this verse to mean that the king is disgusted by those that do wicked things. And that is certainly true of a godly king. I obviously read it another way as interpreted in the CJB: “It is an abomination for a king to do evil….”
Proverbs 16:13 ¶ Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Again, we must remember the speaker and the context. A godly king is always delighted by those that speak to him with honesty and in truth. That cannot be said of an ungodly king; they would prefer to be flattered and affirmed in all they do.
Proverbs 16:14 ¶ The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
These two verses go hand-in-hand; they represent opposite sides of the same coin. In other words, if you make the king angry, you put your life in jeopardy. In fact, an angry king is likely to respond in anger to an innocent person. A wise man will seek to pacify the king and keep him happy.
Proverbs 16:16 ¶ How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Even as a young king, Solomon understood that wisdom was to be treasured more than gold or silver. When God appeared to him in a dream and asked Solomon what he wanted Him to give him, he asked for wisdom—not gold or silver.
1 Kings 3:5–9 “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said….I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
If only world rulers today understood that truth!
Proverbs 16:17 ¶ The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
The highway makes reference to the path of life that one chooses to follow. The upright person will choose the path that departs from evil; he/she will choose to do what is right before the LORD. Choosing to follow the LORD is the key to preserving one’s soul—your being, the rational and immortal part of you.
Proverbs 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
God hates the sin of pride. Pride always leads to destruction and ruin. The prime example is Lucifer, the angel that determined he wanted to be like God and became the god of this world when Adam yielded to his temptation to disobey God. His destruction is sure, as is the destruction of every one that chooses to follow Him.
Matthew 25:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
Revelation 20:14–15 “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Proverbs 16:19 ¶ Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
This verse basically says that it is better to live with a humble spirit among the poor than to live prosperously as one of the proud. God is opposed to the proud; that is a scary position in which to be.
James 4:6 “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Proverbs 16:20 ¶ He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
A person that is wise will show himself good, AND the person that trusts the LORD will be happy and blessed. The “and” is important. You can’t be truly wise without trust and confidence in the LORD. Wisdom is rooted in the fear of God. I think this is one of the primary themes throughout Proverbs.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 16:21 ¶ The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
I liked the NLT for this verse: “The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it’s well presented.”
I think the last part of this verse is important to remember when instructing children. Children (and adults for that matter) are more likely to respond positively to instruction that is presented with a loving, caring spirit. If you are arrogant and demanding or boring and obviously just going through the motions, it is not likely those under your instruction will learn anything—except the fact that they don’t like you as a teacher.
Proverbs 16:22 ¶ Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
I liked the CJB: “Common sense is a fountain of life to one who has it, whereas fools are punished by their own folly.”
This is yet another statement declaring that wisdom promotes life and foolishness results in the need for rebuke and chastening (from the Hebrew for “instruction”).
Proverbs 16:23 ¶ The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
The “heart” is the seat of one’s intelligence, one’s wisdom according to the Hebrew. A wise person will control what comes out of his mouth to the intent of providing good teaching and instruction.
Proverbs 16:24 ¶ Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
“pleasant” = agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness…grace
This verse flows in context from the previous one. We see from the Hebrew that pleasant words are agreeable because they bring delight or satisfaction. They are suitable or appropriate to the occasion. They convey love and mercy; their purpose is to benefit others. As such, pleasant words are compared to a honeycomb. They are sweet to the soul—pleasing, gentle, calm, amiable, and persuasive (from Webster). They bring health to the bones by promoting healing and soundness. Evidence abounds that one’s mental health can have great impact on one’s physical health as well as the other way around.
Proverbs 16:25 ¶ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
This verse mirrors Proverbs 14:12. The point of this verse—Man’s reasoning is sometimes flawed. What seems to be the right choice to make can result in death. I think Solomon is implying that that is why God gave us His law. He wants what is best for His people. If we consider our plans in connection with how they line up with God’s word, we are assured of making a choice that promotes life.
Proverbs 16:26 ¶ He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
This verse seems to be saying that a worker that is hungry will work a little harder in order to be able to satisfy his hunger.
Ironside: “Wealth gotten without labor is generally a very dangerous acquisition. He who knows the weariness of honest toil will be careful how he uses the results of his labor.”
Guzik: “The Bible recognizes the principle of personal property and that the reward of work properly belongs to the worker (labors for himself). This argues against schemes of forced communal living, either on a small or national scale. It also argues against excessive taxation, because it does not say the person who labors, labors for his government.”
Proverbs 16:27 ¶ An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
I think the CJB states it well: "A worthless person digs up evil [gossip] — it is like scorching fire on his lips. A deceitful person stirs up strife, and a slanderer can separate even close friends.”
It is so sad, but true, that this sin is prevalent throughout the professing church as well as the world. Words can inflict great harm, and every Christian should be ever mindful of that truth. The LORD gives us His commentary through the words of James.
James 3:6–10 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Ironside: “There is no question that whispering and backbiting is one of the greatest curses among Christians. This detestable vice alienates the dearest friends and creates misunderstandings of all kinds. Many are defiled by repeating tales which a godly person would seek to cover and never repeat.”
Proverbs 16:29 ¶ A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
A cruel, unrighteous man lures his friends and family to follow him in doing what is evil. He concentrates on make plans that go against God’s law and confidently sets about putting those plans into action. Sometimes you can tell just by looking at a person that they are up to no good.
Ironside: “Fair speech coupled with a magnetic personality have often led one into a way that was not good. It is wise not to be too easily persuaded. Before making a decision, take time to ascertain the mind of God, so you will not be a partaker of other men’s sins.”
Proverbs 16:31 ¶ The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
The hoary head is a reference to the gray hair that comes with old age. It is considered a crown of honor to those who live righteously before the LORD. I think this was a more obvious reward for righteous living in Old Testament times—especially pertaining to God’s people, the people of Israel. Long life was promised to those that obeyed the LORD’s commands. Consider the following verses.
Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged….”
Deuteronomy 6:1–2 “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.”
Psalm 91:14–16 “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him….With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
The promise pertaining to honoring ones parents in the LORD applies yet today.
Ephesians 6:1–3 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
I believe the ultimate fulfillment of all these promises, and others like them, is to be found in the eternal life that awaits those that place their faith in the LORD for their salvation.
It should be noted that there are many wicked people who live to old age with gray hair. For such people, however, their hair is not a crown of honor. They do not reflect the grace and peace that are reflected in men and women whose experiences throughout life have brought him/her into closer fellowship with the LORD.
Proverbs 16:32 ¶ He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
In Solomon’s day, mighty men and warriors were honored and respected. For him to say that it is better to be slow to anger, to possess patience and self-control than to be such a man would resonate loudly in the hearts of his sons.
Clarke: “It is much easier to subdue an enemy without than one within. There have been many kings who had conquered nations, and yet were slaves to their own passions. Alexander, who conquered the world, was a slave to intemperate anger, and in a fit of it slew Clytus, the best and most intimate of all his friends, and one whom he loved beyond all others.”
Henry: “The conquest of ourselves, and our own unruly passions, requires more true wisdom, and a more steady, constant, and regular management, than the obtaining of a victory over the forces of an enemy. A rational conquest is more honourable to a rational creature than a brutal one.”
Proverbs 16:33 ¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
This is quite a powerful statement about the sovereignty of God and His intimate involvement with His people. Casting lots are like rolling dice. Solomon is saying that the LORD is in control of the outcome of the throw of the lot. The people of Israel were instructed to accept it as a way of ascertaining the will of God. Consider the following.
It was used to determine the land inheritance of each tribe in the Promised Land.
Numbers 26:55–56 “Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.”
This was the method used to order the priesthood in the time of David (1Chronicles 24).
It was used to determine who would live in Jerusalem after the completion of the wall after returning from captivity in Babylon.
Nehemiah 11:1 “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.”
The disciples used this method to determine who would replace the traitor Judas.
Acts 1:24–26 “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
In context, one must remember that the use of lots was to determine God’s will. There is no application to frivolous uses, such as in playing games.