A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com
Proverbs Chapter 16
(Pro. 16:1-33)
preparations--schemes.
in man--or literally, "to man," belonging, or pertaining to him.
the answer . . . Lord--The efficient ordering is from God: "Man proposes; God disposes."
clean--or, "faultless."
weigheth--or, "tries," "judges," implying that they are faulty (Pro 21:2; Pro 24:12).
(Compare Margin). Rely on God for success to your lawful purposes.
for himself--"for its answer," or "purpose," that is, according to God's plan; the wicked are for the day of evil (Psa 49:5; Jer 17:18); sinning and suffering answer to each other, are indissolubly united.
(Compare Pro 3:32).
By mercy and truth--that is, God's (Psa 85:10); He effects the atonement, or covering of sin; and the principles of true piety incline men to depart from evil; or, "mercy" and "truth" may be man's, indicative of the gracious tempers which work instrumentally in procuring pardon.
purged--expiated (as in Lev 16:33; Isa 27:9, Hebrew).
Persecutions, of course, excepted.
(Compare Pro 15:6, Pro 15:16-17).
(Compare Pro 16:3).
directeth--establisheth.
The last clause depends on the first, expressing the importance of equity in decisions, so authoritative.
are the Lord's . . . his work--that is, what He has ordered, and hence should be observed by men.
Rulers are rightly expected, by their position, to hate evil; for their power is sustained by righteousness.
A specification of the general sentiment of Pro 16:12.
This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (Kg1 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.
light of . . . countenance--favor (Psa 4:6).
life--preserves it, or gives blessings which make it valuable.
the latter rain--fell just before harvest and matured the crop; hence specially valuable (Deu 11:14).
(Compare Pro 3:16; Pro 4:5).
The highway--A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil.
keepeth--observes.
(Compare Pro 15:33). Haughtiness and pride imply self-confidence which produces carelessness, and hence
a fall--literally, "sliding."
divide the spoil--that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jam 4:6).
handleth a matter--wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pro 13:13).
trusteth--(Compare Psa 2:12; Psa 118:8-9).
wise in heart--who rightly consider duty.
sweetness of the lips--eloquent discourse, persuades and instructs others.
Understanding--or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (Pro 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.
The heart is the source of wisdom flowing from the mouth.
(Compare Pro 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
(Compare Pro 14:2).
Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.
ungodly man--(Compare Pro 6:12).
diggeth up evil--labors for it.
in his lips . . . fire--His words are calumniating (Jam 3:6).
(Compare Pro 6:14; Pro 10:31).
whisperer--prater, talebearer (Pro 18:8; Pro 26:20).
violent man--or, "man of mischief" (Pro 3:31).
enticeth-- (Pro 1:10).
He shutteth his eyes--denoting deep thought (Psa 64:6).
moving his lips--or, "biting his lips"--a determined purpose (Pro 6:13).
(Compare Pro 20:29).
if--or, which may be supplied properly, or without it the sense is as in Pro 3:16; Pro 4:10, that piety is blessed with long life.
(Compare Pro 14:29).
taketh a city--that is, by fighting.
Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.