10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah's; All the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
14 The wrath of a king is [as] messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 16:10-20
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.