Proverbs 16:33

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:33

Note, 1. The divine Providence orders and directs those things which to us are perfectly casual and fortuitous. Nothing comes to pass by chance, nor is an event determined by a blind fortune, but every thing by the will and counsel of God. What man has neither eye nor hand in God is intimately concerned in. 2. When solemn appeals are made to Providence by the casting of lots, for the deciding of that matter of moment which could not otherwise be at all, or not so well, decided, God must be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap ,.... Of a man's garment, or into his bosom, or into a hat, cap, urn, or whatsoever he has in his lap, and from whence it is taken out; which used to be done in choosing officers, civil or ecclesiastical; in dividing inheritances, and determining doubtful cases; and making up differences, and putting an end to strife and contentions, which otherwise could not be done: and this ought not to be used in trivial cases, or to gratify curiosity, or for the sake of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap - On the lot, see the note on Numbers 26:55 . How far it may be proper now to put difficult matters to the lot, after earnest prayer and supplication, I cannot say. Formerly, it was both lawful and efficient; for after it was solemnly cast, the decision was taken as coming immediately from the Lord. It is still practiced, and its use is allowed even by writers on civil law. But those who need most to have recourse to the lot are those who have not piety to pray... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap. The bosom or fold of the garment ( Proverbs 6:27 ; Proverbs 17:23 ; Proverbs 21:14 ). It is not quite clear what articles the Jews used in their divinations by lot. Probably they employed stones, differing in shape or colour, or having some distinguishing mark. These were placed in a vessel or in the fold of a garment, and drawn or shaken thence. Such a practice has been common in all ages and countries; and though only cursorily mentioned in the Mosaic... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:33

The lottery of life I. LIFE APPEARS TO BE A LOTTERY . "The lot is cast into the lap." We seem to depend largely on chance. 1 . We are ignorant of important facts. We are obliged to grope our way through many dark places. Life comes to us veiled in mystery. It may be that certain material considerations would greatly modify our action if only we knew them, yet we must act without regard to them, from sheer ignorance. 2 . We cannot, predict the future. Even when we do... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:33

Chance and providence I. CHANCE IS BUT AN EXPRESSION OF HUMAN IGNORANCE . When we speak of that which is contingent, we mean something the law of which is not yet known. II. MAN 'S CONTROL OVER EVENTS IS LIMITED . We can give the external occasion to a decision; the decision itself rests with a higher power. III. GOD OVERRULES ALL THINGS , AND OVERRULES THEM FOR THE BEST . To pretend that we are not free is to deny our nature, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:33

Proverbs 16:33. The lot is cast into the lap As the ancient practice was in dividing inheritances, and deciding in doubtful cases; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord The event, though casual to men, is directed and determined by God’s counsel and providence. But it is to be well observed, that when solemn appeals are made to divine providence, by the casting of lots, for the deciding of a matter of moment, which could not otherwise be at all, or not so well, decided, God must... 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 16:33

lot = stone. See next note. lap = bosom (Proverbs 17:23 ; Proverbs 21:14 ). The reference is to the bag of the ephod, in which were the two stones by which Jehovah gave true judgment or decision. See notes on Exodus 28:30 . Numbers 26:55 . Illustrations: Haman (Esther 3:7 ); Jonah (Jonah 1:7 ); apostles (Acts 1:15-20 ). the whole disposing = its every decision. disposing = judgment. Hebrew. mishpat, as in Numbers 27:21 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:33

"The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah"Making decisions by the casting of lots was widely practiced in the Old Testament; and even in the early days of the New Testament, Matthias was chosen to the apostleship by the casting of lots. "Casting lots was an ancient practice, animated by faith in God's government of the world."[34]"Following the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the apostles never resorted to casting lots; and the Christian Church has... read more

Group of Brands