(Prov 16:1 NASB) The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Prov 16:1: We have several examples of Elohim giving the answers for His people: Moses (Ex. 4:11-12), Jeremiah (Jer. 1:7-9), the disciples (Matt. 10:19-20), and Yeshua Himself (John 12:49-50).
(Prov 16:2 NASB) All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.
(Prov 16:3 NASB) Commit your works to the LORD, And your plans will be established.
Prov 16:3: Elohim causes His works through His people to be successful.
(Prov 16:4 NASB) The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Prov 16:4: Elohim has created even the wicked for His purpose (Romans 9:22-23, 1 Peter 2:7-8, 2 Peter 2:2,3-9).
(Prov 16:5 NASB) Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
(Prov 16:6 NASB) By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.
Prov 16:6: It is by lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for (Micah 7:18-20). It is by the fear of Yahweh that one keeps away from sin (Job 28:28, 2 Cor. 7:1).
(Prov 16:7 NASB) When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Prov 16:7: When we follow His Torah, He can make our enemies at peace with us (Jer. 15:11).
(Prov 16:8 NASB) Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice.
(Prov 16:9 NASB) The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Prov 16:9: This is a strong statement of predestination (Isa. 46:10, Jer. 10:23).
(Prov 16:10 NASB) A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.
Prov 16:10: A king has great responsibility.
(Prov 16:11 NASB) A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.
Prov 16:11: Elohim is concerned about all of our business dealings.
(Prov 16:12 NASB) It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established on righteousness.
(Prov 16:13 NASB) Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved.
(Prov 16:14 NASB) The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it.
Prov 16:14: A king has great responsiblity and it is an abomination for him to commit wickedness. It is better to appease a king rather than defy him.
(Prov 16:15 NASB) In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.
Prov 16:15: The spring rain is that which assures a good harvest.
(Prov 16:16 NASB) How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Prov 16:16: Wisdom and understanding are far greater than silver or gold (Psalm 119:127-131, Ecc. 7:12).
(Prov 16:17 NASB) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.
(Prov 16:18 NASB) Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
(Prov 16:19 NASB) It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
(Prov 16:20 NASB) He who gives attention to the word shall find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Prov 16:20: Giving attention to His Word is trusting in Yahweh (Jer. 17:7-11).
(Prov 16:21 NASB) The wise in heart will be called discerning, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
(Prov 16:22 NASB) Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.
(Prov 16:23 NASB) The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
(Prov 16:24 NASB) Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Prov 16:25 NASB) There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Prov 16:25: There is a way which seems right to a man. But it leads to death.
(Prov 16:26 NASB) A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.
Prov 16:26: It is a workers hunger that is his strongest incentive to work diligently (2 Thess. 3:10).
(Prov 16:27 NASB) A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are as a scorching fire.
(Prov 16:28 NASB) A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
(Prov 16:29 NASB) A man of violence entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.
(Prov 16:30 NASB) He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.
Prov 16:30: Solomon speaks of the things of worthless, evil men.
(Prov 16:31 NASB) A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.
Prov 16:31: Old age is one of the blessings for those that are righteous.
(Prov 16:32 NASB) He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
Prov 16:32: This is more encouragement to be slow to anger.
(Prov 16:33 NASB) The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.
Prov 16:33: We may think things are by “chance.” But Elohim is in complete control.
Patrick McGuire
Copyright 2014 Patrick McGuire and Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly All rights reserved, no portion of this Lesson may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly Fort Smith, Arkansas