The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:2
(See homily on Proverbs 16:25 .)—C. read more
箴言 16:1-2 Cuvs
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:1
Proverbs 16:1. The preparations of the heart in man, &c. As we read this verse, it teacheth us a great truth, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think, or speak, any thing of ourselves, that is wise and good, but all our sufficiency is of God, who is with the heart and with the mouth, and works in us both to will and to do, Philippians 2:13; Psalms 10:17. But most read it otherwise, namely, thus: The preparation of the heart is in man, he may contrive this and the... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:2
Proverbs 16:2. All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes Men can easily flatter and deceive themselves into a good opinion of themselves, and of their own actions, though they be sinful; but the Lord weigheth the spirits He as exactly knows, as men do the things which they weigh and examine, the hearts of men, from which both their actions and the quality of them, in a great measure, proceed. Their ends and intentions, their dispositions and affections, which are hid, not only from... read more
Donald C. Fleming
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33
Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more
E.W. Bullinger
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:1
preparations = arrangements or plans. The Ellipsis ( App-6 ) of the verb in the first clause must be supplied (as it is in the second clause): "To man [pertain] the plans of his heart; but from Jehovah [comes] the final decree. "Compare Proverbs 16:9 . May be well rendered "the last word" (Compare Proverbs 16:4 ). See App-74 . Illustrations: Balaam (Numbers 23:11 , Numbers 23:12 ; Numbers 24:10-13 .Joshua 24:9 , Joshua 24:10 . Nehemiah 13:2 ). Compare Jeremiah 10:23 . man = man. Hebrew. ... read more
E.W. Bullinger
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:2
man. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 . clean = pure own eyes. Compare Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 12:15 ; Proverbs 14:12 ; Proverbs 16:25 ; Proverbs 21:2 . Conscience is no safe guide, for it depends on what a man believes. Illustrations: Hazael (2 Kings 8:13 ); Jehu (2 Kings 10:16 , 2 Kings 10:31 ); the Pharisee (Luke 18:11-14 ); Paul (Acts 26:9 ; Compare Proverbs 9:4 . 1 Timothy 1:13 and Romans 7:9 ). weigheth. With moral and spiritual weights. the spirits = spirits (no Art.) Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . read more
James Burton Coffman
Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:1
Proverbs 16:1"The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.""A man may think what he will say, but at the moment the word comes to him from the Eternal."[1] "People make their plans, but it is the Lord who makes those things happen."[2] "This proverb is identical in meaning with Proverbs 16:9, and with our saying that, `man proposes; God disposes.'"[3] read more
James Burton Coffman
Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:2
"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits."Toy's paraphrase of this is: "Although a man's actions may seem right to him, ignorant and prejudiced though he is, yet the final judgment on his deeds comes from God."[4] This corresponds with Paul's declaration that, "I know nothing against myself; yet I am not hereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4:4). read more
Thomas Coke
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 16:1
Proverbs 16:1. The preparations of the heart, &c.— Houbigant renders it, It is in man to prepare discourse within himself; it is in the Lord to moderate or rule the tongue. Bishop Patrick says, the Hebrew words run plainly thus; Man hath the disposing of the heart: He may, with God's leave and common assistance, intend, propound, resolve within himself, what he will say and do; but that he shall be able to utter things in that order he hath premeditated, or, if he be able, shall attain the... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes ( Proverbs 21:2 ). He may deceive himself, and be blind to his own faults, or be following an ill-informed and ill-regulated conscience ( Proverbs 12:15 ; Proverbs 14:12 ), yet this is no excuse in God's eyes. The Lord weigheth the spirits. Not the "ways," the outward life and actions only, but motives, intentions, dispositions ( Hebrews 4:12 ). He too knows our secret faults, unsuspected by others, and perhaps by ourselves ( Psalms... read more