16:1 The {a} preparations of the heart belong to man, and the answer of the tongue, [are] from the LORD.(a) He derides the presumption of man, who dares to attribute anything to himself, as to prepare his heart or such like, seeing that he is not able to speak a word unless God gives it to him. read more
In these chapters we have a series of exhortations to a life of godliness expressed in general terms about as follows: 1. Confidence in God as a wise ruler (chap. 16) 2. A disposition of peacefulness and contentment (chap. 17) 3. The virtues of affability, fidelity, and others of a social nature (chap. 18) 4. Humility and meekness (chap. 19) 5. Sobriety, diligence and kindness (chap. 21) 6. Justice, patience, submission (chap. 21) 7. The attainment and preservation of a good name (chap. 22) 8.... read more
The Answer of the Tongue, Etc. Proverbs 16:0 Here is a doctrine of inspiration which descends to the most practical line of life. This doctrine deals with the individual man, as well as collective humanity. Whenever the preparations of the heart are good that is, wise, prudent, purged of selfishness, and generous with the love of God, we find nothing less than a miracle of the Holy Ghost Naturally, the heart is deceitful above all things; it requires, therefore, great preparation, that is,... read more
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. This chapter opens with a doctrine that we should do well to keep always uppermost in our remembrance, at whatever part of the divine word we open. Yea, not only when we are about to read, but when we are about to pray: in every state, under every undertaking, at all times, and in all places, in life and death. Oh! for grace to remember this sweet scripture, and for strength in grace to wait humbly at the... read more
It is the part of man, &c. That is, a man should prepare in his heart and soul what he is to say; but after all, it must be the Lord that must govern his tongue, to speak to the purpose. Not that we can think any thing of good without God's grace: but after that we have (with God's grace) thought and prepared within our souls what we would speak; if God does not govern our tongue, we shall not succeed in what we speak. (Challoner) --- He well put into our mouths what we have to say to... read more
v. 1. The preparations of the heart in man and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord, literally, "To man," that is, pertaining to man, "the plannings of the heart, but from Jehovah the answer of the tongue. " The mind of a man may be engaged in attempting to solve a problem, in setting up various plans or schemes to reach a right conclusion, but the best solution is that which is given by the Lord, who finally leads the thoughts according to His will and causes them to be expressed in... read more
2. Admonition to a walk in the fear of God and obedienceProverbs 16:1 to Proverbs 22:16α) Admonition to trust in God as the wise Ruler and Governor of the worldChap. 161 Man’s are the counsels of the heart,but the answer of the tongue is Jehovah’s.2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.3 Commit thy works to Jehovah,so will thy plans be established.4 Jehovah hath made every thing for its end,even the wicked for the day of... read more
Verse Proverbs 16:1. A somewhat obscure proverb which recognizes that man has to exercise his own reason in making his plans, but that he is dependent on the Lord for the answer of the tongue. Dr. Perowne's interpretation is most likely the correct one. He says: "The implied moral of the proverb is, If we cannot do the less without God, do not attempt to do the greater without Him." Verse Proverbs 16:4. This is simply the affirmation of the fact that in the orderliness of the divine economy... read more
A Call To Commitment To YHWH And To Recognise His Control Over Our Lives (Proverbs 15:29 to Proverbs 16:3 ). Commencing with a mention of YHWH in Proverbs 15:29, YHWH is mentioned five times in this subsection. This includes the opening and closing proverbs which form an inclusio, and four references in the last four verses. He is mentioned a further six time in Proverbs 16:4-11. Thus in sixteen consecutive proverbs He is mentioned eleven times. This may well be seen as confirming the... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Proverbs 16:1-33
CHAPTER 16 In the Light of the Lord The name Jehovah (LORD) appears eleven times in this chapter of Proverbs. The Lord has the final word, for to man belong the preparations (or plans) of the heart; but from the LORD is the answer of the tongue. It is the same thought as in our English proverb--“Man proposes--God disposes.” Man loves to justify himself, his ways are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits; He is the judge of ways and motives. Our works are to be committed... read more