Bible Commentaries
JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Proverbs 16
preparations — schemes.
in man — or literally, “to man,” belonging, or pertaining to him.
the answer … Lord — The efficient ordering is from God: “Man proposes; God disposes.”
clean — or, “faultless.”
weigheth — or, “tries,” “judges,” implying that they are faulty (Proverbs 21:2; Proverbs 24:12).
for himself — “for its answer,” or “purpose,” that is, according to God‘s plan; the wicked are for the day of evil (Psalm 49:5; Jeremiah 17:18); sinning and suffering answer to each other, are indissolubly united.
By mercy and truth — that is, God‘s (Psalm 85:10); He effects the atonement, or covering of sin; and the principles of true piety incline men to depart from evil; or, “mercy” and “truth” may be man‘s, indicative of the gracious tempers which work instrumentally in procuring pardon.
purged — expiated (as in Leviticus 16:33; Isaiah 27:9, Hebrew).
The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.
are the Lord‘s … his work — that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men.
Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.
This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (1 Kings 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.
countenance — favor (Psalm 4:6).
life — preserves it, or gives blessings which make it valuable.
the latter rain — fell just before harvest and matured the crop; hence specially valuable (Deuteronomy 11:14).
The highway — A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil.
keepeth — observes.
(Compare Proverbs 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence
a fall — literally, “sliding.”
handleth a matter — wisely considers “the word,” that is, of God (compare Proverbs 13:13).
trusteth — (Compare Psalm 2:12; Psalm 118:8, Psalm 118:9).
wise in heart — who rightly consider duty.
sweetness of the lips — eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.
Understanding — or, “discretion,” is a constant source of blessing (Proverbs 13:14), benefiting others; but fools‘ best efforts are folly.
ungodly man — (Compare Proverbs 6:12).
diggeth up evil — labors for it.
in his lips … fire — His words are calumniating (James 3:6).
(Compare Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 10:31).
whisperer — prater, talebearer (Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 26:20).
He shutteth his eyes — denoting deep thought (Psalm 64:6).
moving his lips — or, “biting his lips” - a determined purpose (Proverbs 6:13).
(Compare Proverbs 20:29).
if — or, which may be supplied properly, or without it the sense is as in Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:10, that piety is blessed with long life.
Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.
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