Proverbs Chapter 16 in the Amplified Bible “Contrast the Upright and the Wicked”

Introduction

Proverbs Chapter 16 contains a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the sovereignty of God, the importance of humility, the value of wisdom, and the consequences of pride and wickedness. These verses offer guidance for living a righteous and wise life in accordance with God's will.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Verse 1: “The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.”

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse reminds believers that while they can make plans, ultimately, the outcome is in God's hands.

Verse 2: "All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], but the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  This verse warns against self-righteousness and emphasizes the importance of seeking God's perspective on one's actions.

Verse 3: "Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance],"

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are encouraged to trust in God's guidance and submit all their plans to Him for success.

Verse 4: "The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  This verse speaks to God's sovereignty and His ability to use all things, even the wicked, for His purposes.Think about how Judas had to betray Jesus to bring about God’s will and purpose for Christ being here on earth

Verse 5: "Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured he will not go unpunished," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are warned against pride and arrogance, as they are detestable to God and will result in punishment.

Verse 6: "By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse highlights the importance of mercy, truth, and the fear of the Lord in cleansing the heart and avoiding evil.

Verse 7: "When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are encouraged to live in a way that pleases God, trusting that He will bring peace even in the midst of conflict.

Verse 8: "Better is a little with righteousness than great income [gained] with injustice,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  This verse emphasizes the value of gains acquired in righteousness over material wealth gained through unjust means.

Verse 9: "A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are reminded that while they may make plans, it is ultimately God who directs their steps. Also a reminder to be open to God’s Holy Spirit and His directions

Verse 10: "A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king; his mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse speaks to the responsibility of leaders to speak truth and render just judgments.

Verse 11: "A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles]," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are reminded of the importance of honesty and integrity in their dealings, as these are pleasing to the Lord.

Verse 12: "It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God)." 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness in leadership and the stability it brings to society.

Verse 13: "Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are encouraged to speak righteously, as it is pleasing to God and to those in authority.

Verse 14: "The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse speaks to the power of a ruler's wrath and the wisdom in seeking to appease it through wise actions.

Verse 15: "In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are reminded of the life-giving power of a ruler's favor and the importance of seeking it through righteous living.

Verse 16: "How much better it is to get skillful and godly wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  This verse emphasizes the value of Godly wisdom and understanding over material wealth.

Verse 17: "The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; he who guards his way protects his life (soul).”

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are encouraged to turn away from evil and guard their ways, as this leads to a protected and righteous life.

Verse 18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  This verse warns against pride and emphasizes the consequences of a haughty spirit.

Verse 19: "It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).”

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and to associate with the lowly, rather than aligning with the proud.

Verse 20: "He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, and blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the Lord," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse highlights the benefits of paying attention to God's word and trusting in Him.

Verse 21: "The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener],"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding, as these lead to effective communication and learning. Notice  “increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener],"

Verse 22: "Understanding (spiritual insight) is a fountain of life to those who have it, but to the spiritually foolish, it is a tree of death,"

Relevance: This verse emphasizes the life-giving nature of understanding and insight on a spiritual level. See 1 Corinthians 12:3….and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

Verse 23: "The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] and adds persuasiveness to his lips,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are encouraged to let wisdom guide their speech, making their words more persuasive and impactful.

Verse 24: "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body,"

Relevance: This verse highlights the power of kind and uplifting words to bring healing and joy to others.

Verse 25: "There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but its end is the way of death,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are warned against relying solely on their own understanding, as it may lead to destructive paths. Remember to submit your plans to the Lord. (See verses 3 & 9)

Verse 26: "The appetite of a worker works for him, For his hunger urges him on."

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in achieving one's goals.

Verse 27: "A worthless man devises and digs up evil, and the words on his lips are like a scorching fire,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are cautioned against wickedness and the harm that can come from malicious intent.

Verse 28: "A perverse man spreads strife, and one who gossips separates intimate friends," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse warns against the destructive nature of gossip and the importance of promoting peace and unity.

Verse 29: "A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin], and leads him in a way that is not good," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: Believers are reminded to resist the influence of those who promote sin and to pursue righteousness instead.

Verse 30: "He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; and he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  This verse highlights the deceitful nature of those who plot evil and the importance of discerning their intentions.

Verse 31: "The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse honors the wisdom and experience of the elderly, particularly those who have lived righteously.

Verse 32: "He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], and he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city,"

Relevance To Today’s Believers:  Believers are encouraged to practice self-control and patience, as these traits are more valuable than physical strength or conquest.

Verse 33: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord [not by chance]," 

Relevance To Today’s Believers: This verse underscores God's sovereignty, indicating that even seemingly random events are under His control.

Summary

Proverbs Chapter 16 offers a wealth of wisdom on various aspects of life, highlighting the importance of seeking God's guidance, practicing humility, and living righteously. Believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord's sovereignty, guard their hearts against pride and wickedness, and use their words wisely to bring healing and peace. The chapter emphasizes the value of wisdom, understanding, and self-control, pointing believers toward a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

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