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.
16:2 All the ways of a man [are] b clean in his own eyes; but
the LORD weigheth the spirits.
(b) He shows by it that man flatters himself in his doings,
calling that virtue, which God terms vice.
16:4 The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the
wicked for the day of c evil.
(c) So that the justice of God will appear to his glory,
even in the destruction of the wicked.
16:6 By d mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear
of the LORD [men] depart from evil.
(d) Their upright and repenting life will be a token that
their sins are forgiven.
16:9 A e man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth
his steps.
(e) He shows the folly of man who thinks that his ways are
in his own hand, and yet is not able to move one foot
unless God gives force.
16:11 A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the
weights of the bag [are] his f work.
(f) If they are true and just, they are God's work, and he
delights in it, but otherwise if they are false, they
are the work of the devil, and to their condemnation
that use them.
16:12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for
the throne is established g by righteousness.
(g) They are appointed by God to rule according to equity
and justice.
16:14 The wrath of a king [is as] h messengers of death: but a
wise man will pacify it.
(h) That is, he finds many ways to execute his wrath.
16:15 In the light of a king's countenance [is] life; and his
favour [is] i as a cloud of the latter rain.
(i) Which is most comfortable to the dry ground.
16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the k
sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
(k) The sweet words of consolation which come from a godly
heart.
16:22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life to him that hath
it: but the l instruction of fools [is] folly.
(l) Either that which the wicked teach others, or else it
is folly to teach them who are malicious.
16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is]
as a m burning fire.
(m) For he consumes himself and others.
16:30n He shutteth his eyes to devise perverse things: moving
his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
(n) With his whole endeavour he labours to bring his
wickedness to pass.
16:31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it is found in
the way of o righteousness.
(o) That is, when it is joined with virtue, or else the
older that the wicked are, the more they are to be
abhorred.
16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but its whole disposing [is]
p from the LORD.
(p) So that there is nothing that ought to be attributed
to fortune: for all things are determined in the
counsel of God which will come to pass.
