Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 16
Albert Barnes Commentary
Proverbs 16
Albert Barnes Commentary
Proverbs 16
"The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah." — Proverbs 16:1 (ASV)
The proverbs in Proverbs 16:1-7 have, more than any other group, an especially religious character impressed upon them. The name of Yahweh as Giver, Guide, Ruler, or Judge, meets us in each of them.
Better, The plans of the heart belong to man, but the utterance of the tongue is from Yahweh. Thoughts come and go, so to speak, spontaneously; but true, well-ordered speech is the gift of God. Compare Proverbs 16:9.
"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits." — Proverbs 16:2 (ASV)
We are blind to our own faults, do not see ourselves as others see us. There is One who examines not the ways only, but the spirits (Hebrews 4:12): this is the true remedy against self-deceit.
"Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established." — Proverbs 16:3 (ASV)
Commit - literally, as in the margin, as a man transfers a burden from his own back to one stronger and better able to bear it. Compare the margin reference.
Your thoughts - that is, the plans or counsels from which the works spring.
"Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." — Proverbs 16:4 (ASV)
For himself - Better, The Lord has done everything for its own end; and this includes the appointment of an evil day for the wicked who deserve it.
"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: [Though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished." — Proverbs 16:5 (ASV)
See the marginal reference note.
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