The Explained Book of Proverbs Chapter 16 

The Explained Book of Proverbs Chapter 16 by Anietie Hanson

Study Bible: Proverbs Chapter 16 – The Sovereignty of God and the Path of Wisdom

Introduction

Proverbs Chapter 16 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over human plans and actions while offering timeless wisdom on pride, humility, justice, and righteousness. It reflects the relationship between God’s will and human responsibility, encouraging readers to walk in integrity and submit to divine guidance. The chapter highlights the consequences of trusting human understanding over divine wisdom, underscoring that prosperity and fulfillment come only through obedience to God.

Composed of 33 verses, Proverbs 16 balances practical advice with spiritual truths, demonstrating how wisdom aligns human lives with God’s eternal purposes.

Explanation

Proverbs 16:1

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from God."

Explanation: Humans may devise plans in their hearts, but ultimate outcomes—including spoken responses—are determined by God’s sovereignty. This highlights humanity’s dependence on God’s guidance. Jeremiah 10:23 reinforces this principle: "It is not in man who walks to direct his steps." Submission to God ensures alignment with His perfect will.

Proverbs 16:2

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but God weighs the motives."

Explanation: People often justify their actions, believing their ways are clean and righteous. However, God sees deeper, weighing motives and intentions. This verse underscores the importance of self-reflection and sincerity. Proverbs 21:2 parallels this truth: "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but God weighs the heart." True righteousness begins inwardly.

Proverbs 16:3

"Commit your deeds to God, and your plans shall succeed."

Explanation: Entrusting one’s actions to God—submitting them under His authority—ensures success and direction. Commit implies full dependence and trust, reflecting humility and faith. Psalm 37:5 encourages this same practice: "Commit your way to God, trust in Him, and He will act." God blesses plans aligned with His purposes.

Proverbs 16:4

"God has made everything for its own end—yes, even the wicked for the day of trouble."

Explanation: This verse affirms God’s sovereignty over creation, including the wicked, who fulfill a role in His divine plan for the day of trouble—judgment. Romans 9:22-23 elaborates on this concept, showing how God uses all creation to display His justice and mercy. Trust in God’s wisdom ensures peace despite difficult truths.

Proverbs 16:5

"Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to God—they shall certainly not be unpunished."

Explanation: God abhors pride, which reflects rebellion and self-sufficiency. This verse warns of impending judgment for those who exalt themselves rather than humbling themselves before God. James 4:6 reinforces: "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." Pride leads to destruction, while humility invites mercy.

Proverbs 16:6

"By mercy and truth, iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of God, men depart from evil."

Explanation: Mercy and truth—attributes of God—bring atonement and reconciliation, offering forgiveness for sin. The fear of God inspires repentance, guiding people away from evil. This ties to 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us." God’s nature fosters transformation.

Proverbs 16:7

"When a man’s ways please God, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Explanation: Obedience to God’s principles cultivates harmony, even disarming enmity from adversaries. Peace here reflects divine favor and reconciliation. This aligns with Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." God blesses the righteous with relational restoration.

Proverbs 16:8

"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice."

Explanation: This verse emphasizes the enduring value of righteousness over material wealth. Little, accompanied by integrity, far surpasses great revenues obtained through unjust means. Proverbs 10:22 affirms: "God’s blessing brings wealth, without trouble." True prosperity is spiritual, not merely physical.

Proverbs 16:9

"A man’s heart plans his course, but God directs his steps."

Explanation: Humans are responsible for making plans, yet God holds ultimate control over their execution, ensuring alignment with His will. Psalm 37:23 complements this truth: "The steps of a man are established by God." Trust in God transforms plans into divine purposes.

Proverbs 16:10

"Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth."

Explanation: This verse underscores the importance of divine wisdom in leadership. A king’s inspired judgments reflect fairness and integrity, ensuring that he governs justly. A ruler’s words hold great weight and must align with truth. Psalm 72:1 reinforces this idea: "Give the king your justice, God." Godly leadership honors both the people and God’s principles.

Proverbs 16:11

"Honest balances and scales are God’s; all the weights in the bag are his work."

Explanation: This verse highlights God’s concern for justice and fairness, especially in commerce. Honest balances symbolize integrity in dealings, reflecting God’s nature. Leviticus 19:36 commands: "You shall have honest scales, honest weights." Fair practices honor God’s principles and maintain societal trust.

Proverbs 16:12

"It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness."

Explanation: Rulers are held to high standards because their actions shape nations. Wrongdoing undermines a ruler’s legitimacy, while righteousness secures their throne. Psalm 89:14 affirms: "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne." Godly leadership fosters stability and prosperity.

Proverbs 16:13

"Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth."

Explanation: This verse highlights the importance of truthfulness in relationships and governance. Righteous lips—those speaking truth and integrity—gain the favor of leaders and reflect God’s justice. Proverbs 12:22 states: "God delights in truthful speech." Truth builds trust and strengthens bonds.

Proverbs 16:14

"The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it."

Explanation: This verse warns against provoking a ruler’s wrath, which can result in grave consequences. However, wisdom enables individuals to diffuse anger, promoting peace. Proverbs 25:15 emphasizes: "By patience a ruler is persuaded." Wisdom protects and preserves life.

Proverbs 16:15

"In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain."

Explanation: A ruler’s favor brings blessings and prosperity, much like spring rain, which nourishes the earth. Light symbolizes approval and encouragement, fostering vitality. This imagery parallels Psalm 72:6: "He shall come down like rain on the mown grass." Favor creates flourishing.

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen above silver."

Explanation: This verse elevates wisdom and understanding over material wealth, affirming their eternal and transformative value. Proverbs 3:15 echoes this truth: "She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies." Wisdom aligns individuals with God’s purposes, providing spiritual richness.

Proverbs 16:17

"The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul."

Explanation: This verse encourages individuals to walk on the highway of the upright, a path marked by righteousness and avoidance of evil. Keeping one’s way—maintaining integrity—ensures spiritual safety and preservation. Psalm 1:6 affirms: "God watches over the way of the righteous." Uprightness leads to life.

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Explanation: This famous verse warns of the dangers of pride and arrogance, which often precede a person’s downfall. Pride blinds individuals to their weaknesses and leads to destructive choices. James 4:6 affirms: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humility safeguards one from the traps of overconfidence.

Proverbs 16:19

"It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the plunder with the proud."

Explanation: This verse values humility and contentment over wealth gained in the company of the proud. Associating with the poor in humility fosters spiritual enrichment, while joining the prideful in wrongdoing leads to emptiness. Matthew 5:3 reminds us: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Humility holds eternal value.

Proverbs 16:20

"He who heeds the word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in God is blessed."

Explanation: Heeding the word—obeying wisdom and God’s truth—leads to prosperity, both spiritual and practical. Trusting in God secures blessings, reflecting His care and provision. Psalm 119:105 emphasizes: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Submission to God’s Word transforms lives.

Proverbs 16:21

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction."

Explanation: The wise in heart—those with understanding and discernment—gain a reputation for prudence. Additionally, their pleasant speech fosters effective instruction, encouraging others to embrace knowledge. Proverbs 10:32 reflects this: "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable." Wisdom and graciousness create positive influence.

Proverbs 16:22

"Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly."

Explanation: Understanding nourishes and revitalizes, serving as a fountain of life that guides and sustains. Conversely, fools suffer the consequences of their folly, as their actions lead to self-inflicted punishment. This aligns with John 4:14, where Jesus describes eternal life as "a well of water springing up." Understanding enriches and renews the soul.

Proverbs 16:23

"The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips."

Explanation: The wise heart governs speech, ensuring that words reflect understanding and learning. Thoughtful communication demonstrates self-control and wisdom. This parallels James 1:19: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." Wisdom begins in the heart and manifests through speech.

Proverbs 16:24

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Explanation: Pleasant words—encouraging, kind, and uplifting speech—nourish the soul and bring emotional and spiritual healing. Like honeycomb, they provide both sweetness and sustenance. Proverbs 12:18 reinforces: "The tongue of the wise brings healing." Words have the power to inspire and restore.

Proverbs 16:25

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Explanation: This warning reiterates the importance of divine guidance over human reasoning. A path that seems right—based on human judgment—can lead to ruin if it departs from God’s will. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises: "Trust in God with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding." Dependence on God ensures safety.

Proverbs 16:26

"The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on."

Explanation: A person’s appetite—representing needs and desires—motivates diligence and hard work. Hunger drives the laborer to pursue sustenance, reflecting practical wisdom. Proverbs 14:23 adds: "In all hard work there is profit." Effort sustains and rewards.

Proverbs 16:27

"A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire."

Explanation: The worthless man—one who rejects righteousness—plots harm and destruction. His words, compared to scorching fire, spread discord and devastation. James 3:6 underscores this metaphor: "The tongue is a fire." Reckless words can inflict widespread harm.

Proverbs 16:28

"A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends."

Explanation: A perverse man—marked by dishonesty and malice—creates conflict. A whisperer, or gossiper, destroys relationships by spreading secrets and lies. Proverbs 11:13 warns: "One who slanders reveals secrets, but a faithful person conceals them." Integrity preserves unity.

Proverbs 16:29

"A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good."

Explanation: The violent man influences others toward harm and sin, exploiting relationships for destructive purposes. This aligns with Psalm 1:1, which cautions against walking with the wicked: "Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked." Discernment protects against harmful influences.

Proverbs 16:30

"One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil."

Explanation: This verse describes subtle gestures (winking or compressed lips) as signs of a person scheming evil. It warns against trusting those whose behavior signals deceit or malice. Proverbs 6:12-13 similarly portrays such actions as marks of a scoundrel. Vigilance guards against manipulation.

Proverbs 16:31

"Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness."

Explanation: Gray hair symbolizes wisdom, honor, and experience, earned through righteous living. It reflects maturity and faithfulness over a lifetime. Job 12:12 concurs: "With aged men is wisdom, and in length of days understanding." A godly life yields lasting dignity.

Proverbs 16:32

"One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city."

Explanation: Self-control surpasses physical strength or military conquest. Governing one’s emotions and impulses reflects true power and wisdom. James 1:19 reinforces: "Be slow to anger." Inner discipline fosters spiritual victory.

Proverbs 16:33

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from God."

Explanation: Even seemingly random events, like casting lots, fall under God’s sovereign control. This demonstrates His governance over all outcomes, ensuring His purposes prevail. Psalm 103:19 declares: "God has established His throne in the heavens; His kingdom rules over all." Trust in God’s sovereignty brings peace.

Questions and Answers on Proverbs Chapter 16

1.      What does Proverbs 16:1 teach about human plans and God’s control?

o    It shows that while humans plan, the ultimate answer is determined by God’s sovereignty (Jeremiah 10:23).

2.      How does Proverbs 16:2 warn against self-justification?

o    It reveals that God weighs the motives of the heart, which may be hidden from human judgment (Proverbs 21:2).

3.      What does Proverbs 16:3 promise about committing deeds to God?

o    It assures that plans aligned with God will succeed through trust and submission (Psalm 37:5).

4.      How does Proverbs 16:18 highlight pride’s consequences?

o    It warns that pride leads to destruction and encourages humility as a safeguard (James 4:6).

5.      What does Proverbs 16:24 emphasize about pleasant words?

o    It compares uplifting speech to honeycomb, showing how words heal and nourish (Proverbs 12:18).

6.      How does Proverbs 16:25 warn about human reasoning?

o    It reveals that paths seeming right to humans can lead to destruction without divine guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6).

7.      What does Proverbs 16:27 caution about the power of speech?

o    Harmful speech is compared to a scorching fire, highlighting its destructive potential (James 3:6).

8.      How does Proverbs 16:33 affirm God’s sovereignty?

o    Even the casting of lots reflects God’s control, underscoring His governance over all events (Psalm 103:19).

9.      What does Proverbs 16:31 say about gray hair?

o    It represents wisdom and honor earned through righteousness over a lifetime (Job 12:12).

10.  How does Proverbs 16:32 contrast self-control with physical power?

o    Governing one’s spirit is portrayed as greater than military conquest, emphasizing inner discipline (James 1:19).

11.  What does Proverbs 16:9 teach about divine direction?

o    While humans plan their course, God establishes their steps, guiding their journey (Psalm 37:23).

12.  How does Proverbs 16:4 show God’s sovereignty over all creation?

o    It reveals that even the wicked fulfill a purpose in God’s eternal plan (Romans 9:22-23).

Final Thoughts

Proverbs Chapter 16 is a profound testament to God’s sovereignty, emphasizing His control over human plans, actions, and outcomes. Each of the 33 verses teaches that submission to God leads to wisdom, peace, and prosperity, while pride and self-reliance result in failure and destruction.

The chapter repeatedly affirms that true success lies in entrusting everything—our plans, speech, actions, and decisions—to God’s guidance. From reminders about the power of words to warnings against pride, Proverbs 16 challenges us to live in humility and obedience.

Key takeaways from this chapter include:

·         God’s sovereignty: He governs all aspects of life, ensuring His purposes prevail.

·         The value of wisdom: Wisdom and understanding surpass material riches and lead to eternal treasures.

·         The importance of humility: Pride leads to destruction, while humility invites God’s favor.