Proverbs 16
Proverbs 16 begins with passages that emphasize God’s sovereignty over life’s plans and outcomes (verses 1–4). Then it follows with lessons about a person’s actions, thoughts, and words (verses 5–15), highlighting the importance of wisdom, humility, and a righteous life (verses 16–25). Finally, it warns about how a person’s desires and conduct lead to the outcome of life (verses 26–33), and presents the principles of wisdom that should be practiced in life for each verse.
1verseThe plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2verseAll the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives.
3verseCommit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
4verseThe LORD has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5verseEveryone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished.
6verseBy mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7verseWhen a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8verseBetter is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.
9verseA man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
10verseInspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.
11verseHonest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12verseIt is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13verseRighteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.
14verseThe king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15verseIn the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16verseHow much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17verseThe highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18versePride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19verseIt is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20verseHe who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.
21verseThe wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
22verseUnderstanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
23verseThe heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24versePleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25verseThere is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
26verseThe appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.
27verseA worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.
28verseA perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
29verseA man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.
30verseOne who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
31verseGray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
32verseOne who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
33verseThe lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Key Themes and Message
- God’s sovereignty – It emphasizes that while humans make plans, it is God who leads their steps (verses 1, 9).
- The human heart – God’s justice is revealed in that He examines the motives of the heart rather than outward appearance (verse 2).
- Humility and pride – It teaches that the result of pride is destruction, and that humility leads to wisdom and blessings in life (verses 18–19).
- Righteous words and actions – It introduces the positive outcomes brought by gentle words and truthful conduct (verses 20–24).
Life Wisdom Found in Proverbs 16
Proverbs 16 provides not just simple moral instruction in everyday life, but fundamental direction and criteria for judgment. It emphasizes the need for an attitude of humility that seeks God’s will, since human wisdom and judgment cannot determine everything. It also advises that handling relationships with others wisely and living wisely in one’s words and actions brings blessings in life.
Meditation Points
- Do you trust that God’s guidance exists between the plans you make and the actual outcomes?
- Let’s reflect on whether my words and attitude are bringing a positive influence to others.
- As you look back on the deep motives of your heart, meditate on whether you are applying humility and truth to your life.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Whenever you make plans, seek God’s will and adopt an attitude of receiving the outcome humbly.
- Practice choosing good words and having conversations with others from a truthful heart today.
- Check whether you have any small pride or a self-centered mindset, and to set it down, take time to pray once a day or have your own meditation time.
