Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Sixteen
We will now look at Proverbs chapter sixteen:
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1 (NASB)
This verse can be understood to mean that the final outcome of the plans we make is in God's hands. If this is so, why make plans? In doing God's will, there must be partnership between our efforts and God's control. He wants us to use our minds, to seek the advice of others, and to plan. Nevertheless, the results are up to Him. Planning, then, helps us act God's way. As you live for Him, ask for guidance as you plan, and then act on your plan as you trust in Him. The life of a Christian is a process of learning to conform to God’s plans.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives. Proverbs 16:2 (NASB)
People can rationalize anything if they have no standards for judging right and wrong. We can always justify that we are right. But before putting any plan into action we should ask ourselves these three questions:
(1) Is this plan in harmony with God's word?
(2) Is my attitude pleasing in God’s sight?
(3) Am I sure God is leading me to do this?
3 Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 (NASB)
There are different ways to fail to commit whatever we do to the Lord:
(1) Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality they are doing it for themselves.
(2) Others give God temporary control of their interests, only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect.
(3) Still others commit a task fully to the Lord but put forth no effort themselves, and then they wonder why they do not succeed.
We must maintain a delicate balance: trusting God as if everything depended on him, while working as if everything depended on us. Think of a specific effort in which you are involved right now. Have you committed it to the Lord?
4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. Proverbs 16:4 (NASB)
This verse doesn't mean that God created some people to be wicked – but rather that God can use even the activities of wicked people for His good purposes (Gen 50:20). God is infinite and we are finite. No matter how great our intellects, we will never be able to understand God completely. But we can accept by faith that He is all-powerful, all-loving, and perfectly good. We can believe that He is not the cause of evil and we can trust that there are no loose ends in His judgment. Evil is a temporary condition in the universe. One day God will destroy it.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. Proverbs 16:5 (NASB)
Pride is the inner voice that whispers, "My way is best." It is resisting God's leadership and believing that we are able to live without His help. Whenever you find yourself wanting to do it your way or looking down on other people – you are being controlled by pride. Only when you eliminate pride can God help you become all He meant you to be.
6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. Proverbs 16:6 (NASB)
If we would meditate on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross – God’s holiness, purity and His hatred of sin – much of our evil in our lives would not be committed.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 (NASB)
We want other people to like us, and sometimes we will do almost anything to win their approval. But God tells us to put our energy into pleasing Him instead. Peace with God is the most important peace we can have and that only comes through pleasing Him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 (NASB)
“Better is a little” that is gotten in a righteous way, used in a righteous manner, attended with a life of righteousness and holiness – “than great income” obtained in an unjust way. A little home in the wilderness – a having Christ and his grace – is better off than a mansion in a great city without Christ.
9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)
It is not wrong to make plans – but remember plans change – follow God and He will always direct your steps. God knows which path is best for you. Trust Him – follow Him.
10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. Proverbs 16:10 (NASB)
We ought to make it our prayer for all in authority – that a divine decision may be on their lips.
May they fear the Lord. May they speak in wisdom. May they lead the people in paths of righteousness.
11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern. Proverbs 16:11 (NASB)
Whether we buy or sell, make a product or offer a service, we know what is fair and honest and what is unfair and dishonest. Sometimes we feel pressure to be dishonest in order to advance ourselves or gain more profit. But if we want to obey God, there is no middle ground. God demands honesty in every business transaction. No amount of rationalizing can justify a dishonest business practice. Honesty and fairness are not always easy, but they are what God demands. Ask him for discernment and courage to be consistently honest and fair.
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness. Proverbs 16:12 (NASB)
God expects all people to act in righteousness – even more so – those who are in authority.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved. Proverbs 16:13 (NASB)
Here is a further character of a good king – they love and delight in those that speak right:
1. They hate parasites and those that flatter them.
2. They not only do righteousness themselves – but take care to employ those under them that do righteousness too.
14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it. Proverbs 16:14 (NASB)
Be aware that not all kings are wise. Some kings are foolish. “For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 (NASB)
The Message Bible says:
“An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that.” Proverbs 16:14 (MSG)
15 In the light of a king's face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. Proverbs 16:15 (NASB)
How much better it will be to see a smile on the face of the King of kings – rather than His wrath. It will be like a spring rain that brings life after a cold hard winter.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. Proverbs 16:16 (NASB)
Wisdom and understand are worth more than gold and silver. There is much foolishness in this world because the world is full of fools. Seek those who are wise. Live in wisdom and understanding. There is a biblical world view – which will allow you to view the world rightly.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life. Proverbs 16:17 (NASB)
As you travel the highways of America – there are road signs which show what towns are ahead of you. If you want to make it to a specific destination you must pay attention to the road signs. So it is in life. Watch for the road signs and see where you are headed.
18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. Proverbs 16:18 (NASB)
Proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above the frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up. Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone around them is well aware of it. Ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has blinded you to warning signs. A person with wisdom will help you avoid a fall.
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 (NASB)
If we want the best – we must always seek the better. Humility is always better than pride.
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 (NASB)
Here is a verse that encourages Bible study. Study God’s word and you find good. Trust in what God has to say and you will be blessed.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Proverbs 16:21 (NASB)
A person of wisdom will learn the qualities of the holy life. The Bible tells us:
“Those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB)
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly. Proverbs 16:22 (NASB)
For centuries people have sought a fountain of youth – a spring that promised to give eternal life and vitality. In this world it has never been found. But God's wisdom gives us discretion that proves to be a life-giving fountain that can make us happy, healthy, and alive forever. How? When we live by God's Word, he washes away the deadly effects of sin, and the hope of eternal life with Him gives us a joyful perspective on our present life. The fountain of youth was only a dream, but the life-giving fountain is reality. The choice is yours. You can be enlightened by God's wisdom, or you can be dragged down by the weight of your own foolishness.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. Proverbs 16:23 (NASB)
This is a man that is wise in heart. His heart will teach his mouth what to say – when to say it and who to say it to. His words will be spoken at the right time and he shall not be at a loss of what to say. But it is more than mere words – they will be full of wise instruction.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 (NASB)
Pleasant words heal the deepest parts of the body. They are sweet to the soul.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25 (NASB)
This is such an important concept – that although we have heard it before (Proverbs 14:12) it is repeated again here.
26 A worker's appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on. Proverbs 16:26 (NASB)
People are motivated by various things – hunger is one of them. There is physical hunger – but there is also hunger of the soul. To know God can fill a hungry soul.
27 A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. Proverbs 16:27 (NASB)
Clarke has said of this verse: “A wicked man labors as much to bring about an evil purpose, as the quarryman does to dig up stones.” Watch out for worthless people for even their words will burn you.
28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends. Proverbs 16:28 (NASB)
There are those who want nothing better than strife. When false words are spoken about a person – it will separate even the best of friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good. Proverbs 16:29 (NASB)
A violent man wants nothing more than violence and will lead others in that path.
30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass. Proverbs 16:30 (NASB)
Note that we have seen:
1. A worthless man (verse 27)
2. A perverse man (verse 28)
3. A violent man (verse 29)
All of this has been a warning of the wicked man who has evil in his eyes. His words will be words of destruction.
31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31 (NASB)
The Hebrews believed that a long life was a sign of God's blessing – therefore, gray hair and old age were good. While young people glory in their strength, old people can rejoice in their years of experience and practical wisdom. Gray hair is not a sign of disgrace to be covered over – it is a crown of splendor. As you deal with older people, always treat them with respect.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32 (NASB)
Self-control is superior to conquest. Success in business, school, or home life can be ruined by a person who loses control of their temper. So it is a great personal victory to control your temper. When you feel yourself ready to explode, remember that losing control may cause you to forfeit what you want the most.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33 (NASB)
We can make all kinds of plans – we can use reason – logic or luck. But ultimately God is in control. The Puritans would make grand plans – but they always knew that after doing so they had to say, “If it is God’s will.”
