Proverbs 16:2-28 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

Solomon had commended eloquence, or the sweetness of the lips (Prov. 16:21), and seemed to prefer it before wisdom; but here he corrects himself, as it were, and shows that unless there be a good treasure within to support the eloquence it is worth little. Wisdom in the heart is the main matter. 1. It is this that directs us in speaking, that teaches the mouth 3a8f what to speak, and when, and how, so that what is spoken may be proper, and pertinent, and seasonable; otherwise, though the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

The pleasant words here commended must be those which the heart of the wise teaches, and adds learning to (Prov. 16:23), words of seasonable advice, instruction, and comfort, words taken from God's word, for that is it which Solomon had learned from his father to account sweeter than honey and the honey-comb, Ps. 19:10. These words, to those that know how to relish them, 1. Are pleasant. They are like the honey-comb, sweet to the soul, which tastes in them that the Lord is gracious; nothing... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:25

This we had before (Prov. 14:12), but here it is repeated, as that which is very necessary to be thought of, 1. By way of caution to us all to take heed of deceiving ourselves in the great concerns of our souls by resting in that which seems right and is not really so, and, for the preventing of a self-delusion, to be impartial in self-examination and keep up a jealousy over ourselves. 2. By way of terror to those whose way is not right, is not as it should be, however it may seem to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:26

This is designed to engage us to diligence, and quicken us, what our hand finds to do, to do it with all our might, both in our worldly business and in the work of religion; for in the original it is, The soul that labours labours for itself. It is heart-work which is here intended, the labour of the soul, which is here recommended to us, 1. As that which will be absolutely needful. Our mouth is continually craving it of us; the necessities both of soul and body are pressing, and require... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:27-28

There are those that are not only vicious themselves, but spiteful and mischievous to others, and they are the worst of men; two sorts of such are here described:?1. Such as envy a man the honour of his good name, and do all they can to blast that by calumnies and misrepresentations: They dig up evil; they take a great deal of pains to find out something or other on which to ground a slander, or which may give some colour to it. If none appear above ground, rather than want it they will dig... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:2

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes ,.... All right and well, not only some, but all, having a high opinion of himself; for this is to be understood of a self-righteous man, who is pure in his own eyes, though not cleansed from his filthiness, and so fancies every way he walks in, and everything he does, is pure; this is owing to want of knowledge of the impurity of his nature; was he sensible of this, he would see that his best righteousness is as filthy rags and to his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the Lord ,.... Natural, civil, or religious; seek to him for strength and assistance in all, and leave the success of all with him: or "roll thy works on" or "unto the Lord" F2 גל אל יהוה מעשיך "devolve in Jehovam facta tua", Junius & Tremellius; "negotia tua", Piscator; "volve in Dominum quae tibi facieuda sunt", Michaelis; "volve ad Jehovam opera tua", Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius; so Mercerus, Gejerus, Schultens, Tigurine version. ; devolve all upon... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:4

The Lord hath made all things for himself ,.... This is true of the Lord with respect to the creation of all things by him. All things are made by him, the heaven, earth, and sea; and all that are in them, angels, men, beasts, birds, fishes, and all creatures: and these are made for himself, and not another; not for the pure or good men, as Aben Ezra, though all things are for the elect's sake; but for God himself, besides whom there was no other before the creation, nor is there any other... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:5

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord ,.... Though he may dissemble his pride, and not discover it in his looks, by his words and gestures; yet the Lord sees and knows the heart, the naughtiness of it, and the pride that is in it: and only a proud look, but a proud heart, is abominable to him: everyone that is so arrogant as to arraign the decrees of God, and quarrel with him about them, to whom the apostle says, "Nay, but, O man", O proud vain man, "who art... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:6

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged ,.... Or "expiated" F4 יכפר "expiabitur", Montanus, Vatablus; "expiatur", Tigurine version, Mercerus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens. , and atoned for: not by the mercy and truth of men; not by alms deeds or showing mercy to the poor; nor by speaking truth and keeping promises, and doing justice between man and man; for, though these are duties to be performed, they will not atone for sin; and may be done by... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:24

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:26

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:27-28

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:6

Group of Brands