16 To get wisdom—how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!

17 A highway of the upright 'is', 'Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.

18 Before destruction 'is' pride, And before stumbling—a haughty spirit.'

19 Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 16:16-19

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.