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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:31

Note, 1. It ought to be the great care of old people to be found in the way of righteousness, the way of religion and serious godliness. Both God and man will look for them in that way; it will be expected that those that are old should be good, that the multitude of their years should teach them the best wisdom; let them therefore be found in that way. Death will come; the Judge is coming; the Lord is at hand. That they may be found of him in peace, let them be found in the way of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

This recommends the grace of meekness to us, which will well become us all, particularly the hoary head, Prov. 16:31. Observe, 1. The nature of it. It is to be slow to anger, not easily put into a passion, nor apt to resent provocation, taking time to consider before we suffer our passion to break out, that it may not transgress due bounds, so slow in our motions towards anger that we may be quickly stopped and pacified. It is to have the rule of our own spirits, our appetites and affections,... read more

Matthew Henry

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 16:31

The hoary head is a crown of glory ,.... Gray hairs, white locks through age are very ornamental; look very beautiful, bespeak gravity, wisdom, and prudence, and command reverence and respect; with the ancient Romans F19 Vid. A. Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 2. c. 15. , greater honour was paid to age than to family or wealth; and the elder were revered by the younger next to God, and in the stead of parents; See Gill on Leviticus 19:32 ; if it be found in the way of righteousness ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ,.... Than a mighty warrior or conqueror; as Alexander who conquered his enemies, and even all the world, and yet in his wrath slew his best friends: a man that is slow to anger is esteemed by the Lord, respected by men, and is happy in himself; and is preferable to the strongest man that is not master of himself and of his passions; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city ; one that has the command of his temper, that... 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 16:31

The hoary head is a crown of glory - The latter part of the verse is very well added, for many a sinner has a hoary head. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:32

He that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city - It is much easier to subdue an enemy without than one within. There have been many kings who had conquered nations, and yet were slaves to their own passions. Alexander, who conquered the world, was a slave to intemperate anger, and in a fit of it slew Clytus, the best and most intimate of all his friends, and one whom he loved beyond all others. The spirit of this maxim is so self-evident, that most nations have formed similar... 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 16:31

The hoary head is a crown of glory ( Proverbs 20:29 ). (For "crown," see on Proverbs 17:6 .) Old age is the reward of a good life, and therefore is an honour to a man (comp. Proverbs 3:2 , Proverbs 3:16 ; Proverbs 4:10 ; Proverbs 9:11 ; Proverbs 10:27 ). If it be found —rather, it shall be found— in the way of righteousness; the guerdon of obedience and holiness; whereas "bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days" ( Psalms 55:23 ). It is well said in... read more

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