9 The mind of man plans his way , But the Lord directs his steps .
10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king ; His mouth should not err in judgment .
11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord ; All the weights of the bag are His concern .
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts , For a throne is established on righteousness .
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings , And he who speaks right is loved .
14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death , But a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of a king's face is life , And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain .
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold ! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver .
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil ; He who watches his way preserves his life .
18 Pride goes before destruction , And a haughty spirit before stumbling .
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud .
20 He who gives attention to the word will find good , And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord .
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding , And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness .
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly .
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips .
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb e , Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones .
25 There is a way which seems right to a man , But its end is the way of death .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 16:9-25
Commentary on Proverbs 16:9-10
(Read Proverbs 16:9-10)
If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace. 10. Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:11
(Read Proverbs 16:11)
To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
(Read Proverbs 16:12)
The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:13
(Read Proverbs 16:13)
Put those in power who know how to speak to the purpose.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:14-15
(Read Proverbs 16:14-15)
Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:16
(Read Proverbs 16:16)
There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
(Read Proverbs 16:17)
A sincerely religious man keeps at a distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that walks in Christ, and is led by the Spirit of Christ.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:18
(Read Proverbs 16:18)
When men defy God's judgments, and think themselves far from them, it is a sign they are at the door. Let us not fear the pride of others, but fear pride in ourselves.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:19-20
(Read Proverbs 16:19-20)
Humility, though it exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy. He that understands God's word shall find good.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:21
(Read Proverbs 16:21)
The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
(Read Proverbs 16:22)
As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:23
(Read Proverbs 16:23)
The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
(Read Proverbs 16:24)
The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
(Read Proverbs 16:25)
This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls.