Proverbs 16:3-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:4

The Lord hath made all things for himself . So the Vulgate, propter semetipsum ; and Origen ('Praef. in Job'), δι ̓ ἑαυτόν . That is, God hath made everything for his own purpose, to answer the design which he hath intended from all eternity ( Revelation 4:11 ). But this translation is not in accordance with the present reading, לַמַּעַנֵהוּ , which means rather "for its own end," for its own proper use. Everything in God's design has its own end and object and reason for being... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:4

The purpose of creation It is commonly asserted that God made the world in love, that he created it from the goodness of his heart, because he desired to have creatures to bless. From this point of view, creation represents grace, giving, surrender, sacrifice, on the part of God. But another and apparently a contrary view is suggested by the words before us. Here it would seem that God created all things from self regarding motives, as a man makes a machine for his own use. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:4-9

The administration of rewards and punishments I. THE MORAL DESIGNS OF GOD . ( Proverbs 16:4 .) The creation is teleological ; it has a beginning, a process, and an end in view, all determined by the will and wisdom of God. If this is true of every plant, of every mollusc, it is true of every man. We are formed to illustrate his praise. Disobedience, with its consequences, ratifies his just and holy laws. II. THE MORAL FEELINGS OF GOD . ( Proverbs 16:5 .)... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3. Commit thy works unto the Lord Hebrew, גל אל יהוה , literally, Roll unto the Lord, &c., namely, as a man rolls to another a burden, which is too heavy for himself, imploring his help. Refer all thy actions and concerns to God, and to his glory, as the end of them; and, in the discharge of thy duty, depend upon God’s providence and grace for assistance and success; and thy thoughts shall be established Thy honest desires and designs shall be brought to a happy issue... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:4

Proverbs 16:4. The Lord hath made all things And especially all men; for himself For his own service and glory; for the discovery and illustration of his own wisdom, power, goodness, truth, justice, and his other most glorious perfections. The Hebrew, כל פעל יהוה , is, literally, The Lord hath wrought, or doth work, all things; or, he ordereth, or disposeth of them; and so this may be understood of the works of providence, as well as of those of creation; yea, even the wicked ... 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 16:3

thoughts = plans. Compare Proverbs 16:1 . shall be established. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30 ; Genesis 46:1-4 ); Ruth (Ruth 2:12 ); David (1 Samuel 17:45 ; 1 Samuel 30:8-19 . 2 Samuel 5:19-25 ); Ezra (Ezra 8:21-23 , Ezra 8:31 , Ezra 8:32 ). Esther (Esther 4:14-17 ; Esther 8:15-17 ); Daniel (Daniel 6:10 . Psalms 37:4-6 ). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:4

Himself. Same word as "answer" (Proverbs 16:1 ) = His decree, or His own end. See note on Proverbs 16:1 . the wicked =. a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . evil. Hebrew. raa'. App-44 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:3

"Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.""I consider that work as good as done, that trial as good as borne, which I have solemnly committed to God in prayer."[5] "Deo Volente" (God willing)should be understood as the invariable condition, whether stated or not, that finally determines any mortal achievement. See James 4:15. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:4

"Jehovah hath made every thing for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil."Yes indeed, God needs even the wicked. A woman once asked Adam Clarke, "Why does not God just kill all the wicked people and allow us righteous to build a heaven right here on earth"? Clarke replied, "Lady, if God were to be so foolish as to do that, there would not be enough righteous people left to keep the lions and tigers from eating up the human race"! read more

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