Proverbs 16:2-28 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:12

Here is, 1. The character of a good king, which Solomon intended not for his own praise, but for instruction to his successors, his neighbours, and the viceroys under him. A good king not only does justice, but it is an abomination to him to do otherwise. He hates the thought of doing wrong and perverting justice; he not only abhors the wickedness done by others, but abhors the wickedness done by others, but abhors to do any himself, though, having power, he might easily and safety do it. 2.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:13

Here is a further character of good kings, that they love and delight in those that speak right. 1. They hate parasites and those that flatter them, and are very willing that all about them should deal faithfully with them and tell them that which is true, whether it be pleasing or displeasing, both concerning persons and things, that every thing should be set in a true light and nothing disguised, Prov. 29:12. 2. They not only do righteousness themselves, but take care to employ those under... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:14-15

These two verses show the power of kings, which is every where great, but was especially so in those eastern countries, where they were absolute and arbitrary. Whom they would they slew and whom they would they kept alive. Their will was a law. We have reason to bless God for the happy constitution of the government we live under, which maintains the prerogative of the prince without any injury to the liberty of the subject. But here it is intimated, 1. How formidable the wrath of a king is:... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:16

Solomon here not only asserts that it is better to get wisdom than gold (Prov. 3:14; 8:19), but he speaks it with assurance, that it is much better, better beyond expression?with admiration (How much better!) as one amazed at the disproportion?with an appeal to men's consciences (?Judge in yourselves how much better it is? )--and with an addition to the same purport, that understanding is rather to be chosen than silver and all the treasures of kings and their favourites. Note, 1. Heavenly... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:17

Note, 1. It is the way of the upright to avoid sin, and every thing that looks like it and leads towards it; and this is a highway marked out by authority, tracked by many that have gone before us, and in which we meet with many that keep company with us; it is easy to find and safe to be travelled in, like a highway, Isa. 35:8. To depart from evil is understanding. 2. It is the care of the upright to preserve their own souls, that they be not polluted with sin, and that by the troubles of the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:18

Note, 1. Pride will have a fall. Those that are of a haughty spirit, that think of themselves above what is meet, and look with contempt upon others, that with their pride affront God and disquiet others, will be brought down, either by repentance or by ruin. It is the honour of God to humble the proud, Job 40:11, 12. It is the act of justice that those who have lifted up themselves should be laid low. Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, were instances of this. Men cannot punish pride, but... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:19

This is a paradox which the children of this world cannot understand and will not subscribe to, that it is better to be poor and humble than to be rich and proud. 1. Those that divide the spoil are commonly proud; they value themselves and despise others, and their mind rises with their condition; those therefore that are rich in this world have need to be charged that they be not high-minded, 1 Tim. 6:17. Those that are proud and will put forth themselves, that thrust, and shove, and... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:20

Note, 1. Prudence gains men respect and success: He that handles a matter wisely (that is master of his trade and makes it to appear he understands what he undertakes, that is considerate in his affairs, and, when he speaks or writes on any subject, does it pertinently) shall find good, shall come into good repute, and perhaps may make a good hand of it. 2. But it is piety only that will secure men's true happiness: Those that handle a matter wisely, if they are proud and lean to their own... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:21

Note, 1. Those that have solid wisdom will have the credit of it; it will gain them reputation, and they shall be called prudent grave men, and a deference will be paid to their judgment. Do that which is wise and good and thou shalt have the praise of the same. 2. Those that with their wisdom have a happy elocution, that deliver their sentiments easily and with a good grace, are communicative of their wisdom and have words at will, and good language as well as good sense, increase learning;... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:22

Note, 1. There is always some good to be gotten by a wise and good man: His understanding is a well-spring of life to him, which always flows and can never be drawn dry; he has something to say upon all occasions that is instructive, and of use to those that will make use of it, things new and old to bring out of his treasure; at least, his understanding is a spring of life to himself, yielding him abundant satisfaction; within his own thoughts he entertains and edifies himself, if not others.... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:14-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:22

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