Proverbs 16
16:1 a Our own plans will come to fruition only if God allows (see also 16:9 b, 33 c; Jas 4:13-16 d).16:2 e God’s moral evaluation is what counts (see Gen 8:21 f; 1 Sam 13:14 g; 16:6-7 h; Luke 16:15 i). This proverb is repeated almost verbatim in Prov 21:2 j.
16:3 k God must affirm our plans (16:1 l), so it makes sense to ask his help in accomplishing our goals (see Jas 4:13-16 m).
16:4 n The wicked will have trouble in this life and in death. Nothing is outside of God’s control (see also Rom 9:10-24 o; 2 Pet 2:9 p).
16:5 q God detests the proud, who refuse to commit their ways to the Lord (16:3 r) and mistakenly believe that they can accomplish their plans on their own (16:1 s).
16:6 t God’s unfailing love and faithfulness are foundational in his covenant relationship with Israel (see Exod 15:13 u; 34:6-7 v; Num 14:18-19 w; Deut 7:9-11 x).
16:8 y Better to have little: See also 15:16 z.
Summary for Prov 16:10-15: 16:10-15 aa This series of sayings reflects on the king, who represents God’s power on earth. 16:10 ab Divine wisdom refers to divinely inspired guidance that helps the king make judgments (e.g., 1 Kgs 3:28 ac; see also Ps 72:2 ad).
16:11 ae The message of this proverb is stated four times in the collection (cp. 11:1 af; 20:10 ag, 23 ah).
Summary for Prov 16:12-13: 16:12-13 ai These proverbs presuppose a wise, godly king (see Isa 9:6-7 aj). Many of Israel’s kings loved wrongdoing and hated truth (e.g., Ahab in 1 Kgs 21 ak).
Summary for Prov 16:14-15: 16:14-15 al The king is powerful, so people are wise to avoid his anger and gain his favor.
16:16 am Wisdom and good judgment may lead to wealth, but wealth cannot buy wisdom.
16:18 an The pride of those who resist God and stubbornly rely on their own strength (16:5 ao) is self-destructive and foolish because, apart from God’s help, no one has the resources required for life.
16:25 ap This proverb repeats 14:12 aq.
Summary for Prov 16:27-29: 16:27-29 ar Scoundrels, a troublemaker, and violent people all disrupt relationships, creating trouble with their harmful actions.
16:31 as Godly people grow in wisdom as they grow older, so their gray hair is a crown (cp. 4:9 at; 12:4 au; 17:6 av).
16:32 aw Patience and self-control are far more valuable than brute force.
16:33 ax We may throw the dice: These dice were not for gambling but were a means commissioned by God to determine his will (Exod 28:30 ay; see also Josh 14:2 az; 1 Sam 10:17-27 ba; 14:40-43 bb).
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