Proverbs 16
This collection of proverbs forms a layered argument that moves from inner source → public expression → social consequences → final divine disposal (the deciding of outcomes).
God Rules the Inner Man through Humility
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
This set reads like Solomon laying the foundation stones:
- Origin: “preparations of the heart… answer of the tongue… from the LORD” (v.1) establishes that even the “inside” (plans/motives) and the “outside” (speech) sit under God’s rule.
- Diagnosis: we naturally self-justify (“clean in his own eyes”), but God evaluates what’s beneath (“weigheth the spirits”) (v.2).
- Prescription: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (v.3) — the solution is not self-trust but surrendered alignment.
- Reality check: God’s purposes stand even over the wicked (v.4), pride will not slip through (v.5).
- Moral mechanism: cleansing/departure from evil is tied to mercy/truth and the fear of the LORD (v.6).
- Outcome: when God is pleased, even enemies can be moved toward peace (v.7).
- Value statement: righteousness is better than unjust gain (v.8).
What emerges: this isn’t merely “God is sovereign.” It’s “Because God weighs the inside and governs outcomes, wisdom begins with humility, repentance, fear of the LORD, and righteousness—not self-exoneration.”
In Leadership: Justice, Speech, & Authority
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
This unit hangs together as “courtroom/kingdom wisdom”:
- “A divine sentence is in the lips of the king” (v.10) centers speech + judgment.
- “A just weight and balance are the LORD’S” (v.11) grounds justice in God’s ownership of the standard.
- Wickedness is an “abomination to kings” because a throne is established by righteousness (v.12).
- Kings delight in righteous lips and truthful speech (vv.13–14).
- The king’s favor/wrath carries life-and-death weight (v.14), so wisdom is required to navigate it.
- Favor is life (v.15).
What emerges: Solomon is showing that the “heart/tongue/way” theme isn’t private only—it governs public order. Leadership doesn’t create morality; it’s judged by God’s morality.
Value in Wisdom Over Wealth
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
This is a distinct “what’s worth pursuing” section:
- Wisdom/understanding outrank gold/silver (v.16).
- Uprightness is framed as a path: departing from evil, keeping your way, preserving your soul (v.17).
- Pride/haughtiness is reintroduced as the major self-destructive force (vv.18–19).
- Wisdom produces good outcomes; trust in the LORD is tied to happiness (v.20).
- Prudence/sweet speech increase learning and persuasion (vv.21–22).
What emerges: this unit acts like a hinge between “public justice” and “daily speech/character.” It says, in effect: If you want a life that holds together, choose wisdom, choose humility, choose the upright path—because pride is the cliff edge.
Heart-to-Mouth Dynamics & Social Destruction
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Here, the chapter gets intensely diagnostic:
- “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth” (v.23): inner life trains speech.
- Pleasant words heal (“health to the bones”) (v.24): speech is medicine or poison.
- Then the counterfeit: a way that seems right but ends in death (v.25).
- From v.26 onward, Solomon catalogs “types” whose inner corruption leaks out socially:
- ungodly man + burning lips (v.27)
- froward man sowing strife (v.28)
- whisperer separating friends (v.28)
- violent man enticing others into evil (v.29)
- calculated deceit (v.30)
What emerges: wisdom isn’t merely personal success; it’s relational integrity. The tongue reveals the heart, and the heart either builds community or burns it down.
Righteousness + Self-Rule + God's Final Disposal
The hoary[1] head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
This final unit reads like an epilogue that “locks” the whole chapter:
- Righteous endurance is honored (“hoary[1:1] head… crown of glory”) (v.31).
- Self-mastery is greater than external conquest (v.32).
- And then the capstone: human action happens (“lot is cast”), but the final outcome is the LORD’s (v.33).
What emerges: the ending doesn’t wander—it returns to v.1–9’s core claim: you act, you choose, you speak—but you are not ultimate. Therefore, the wise life is righteousness, humility, and self-government under God.
A Concluding Thought
Is what I'm calling 'wisdom' actually obedience to God's ways—or just knowledge and understanding without action?