Proverbs 16, Man Under God - Bible Study Workshopbiblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/Proverbs16.pdfProverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through

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Man Under God

Proverbs 16:1-33

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN., 37215, John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor


Man Under God

Texts: Proverbs 16:1-33, 1. To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. 2. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 4. The LORD works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster. 5. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. 6. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. 7. When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. 8. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. 9. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10. The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. 11. Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making. 12. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. 14. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.



15. When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16. How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose under-standing rather than silver! 17. The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. 18. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 19. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. 20. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. 22. Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. 23. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. 24. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 26. The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. 27. A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. 29. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. 30. He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31. Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. 32. Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (NIV)



Introduction: I. Jesse M. Smith wrote that Proverbs 16 can be divided by topic as follows:

A. The Heavenly King

1. Proverbs 16:1-9, To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

B. The Earthly King

1. Proverbs 16:10-15, The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it. When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. (NIV)



C. Right Choices

1. Proverbs 16:16-25, How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose under-standing rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (NIV)

D. Warning About Troublemakers

1. Proverbs 16:26-30, The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. (NIV)

E. Concluding Reminders

1. Proverbs 16:31-33, Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Better a patient man than



a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (NIV)

Commentary:

The Heavenly King Proverbs 16:1, To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. (NIV) I. Moffatt’s translation, A man may think what he will say, but at the moment the word comes to him from the Eternal.” II. Easy to Read Version of the Bible, “People make their plans, but it is the Lord who makes those things happen.” III. This verse is identical to verse 9, “A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.” IV. Men from their hearts plan things, but the Lord’s tongue allows or disallows these plans. Proverbs 16:2, All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (NIV) I. All of a man’s ways seem right, clean, innocent to him, but the Lord weighs the spirits, motives (and actions) of a man and sits in judgment on all men do and think.

A. Toy paraphrased this verse, “Although a man’s actions may seem right to him, ignorant and prejudiced though he is, yet the final judgment of his deeds comes from God.”



B. I. Corinthians 4:4, For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. (KJV)

Proverbs 16:3, Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (NIV) I. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, your works and your plans will be successful, established.

A. All we say we are going to do should be on condition that God wills it to be successful. B. James 4:15, For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (KJV)

Proverbs 16:4, The LORD works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster. (NIV) I. God made everything for a purpose, even wickedness serves a purpose in the day of disaster, the day of evil. Proverbs 16:5, The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (NIV) I. God detests all the proud of heart, prideful, arrogant.

A. Be sure of this one thing: The wicked, arrogant will not go unpunished. B. This is true even if the wicked join hands to form a unified alliance in their arrogance.

II. Compare this verse with Proverbs 11:20, 21, The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are



blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. (NIV)

III. Toy paraphrased this verse as follows: “The proud man is an abomination to Yahweh; he will assuredly not go unpunished.”

Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. (NIV) I. Mercy (love) and truth (faithfulness) atone for iniquity.

A. In the final analysis, men cannot atone for their own sins no matter what. B. “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

II. Men depart from, avoid evil because of their fear of Jehovah. Proverbs 16:7, When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. (NIV) I. The kind of life which pleases God is of such a nature that it has the power to turn enemies into friends, to make peace where there was once conflict. II. True Christians are not mean spirited people, but the most lovable of all earth’s people. Proverbs 16:8, Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. (NIV) I. A little of this world’s goods with righteousness is much better than great wealth with injustice.



A. I Timothy 6:8, And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)

Proverbs 16:9, In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (NIV) Note: This verse is parallel with verse 1. Please refer to verse 1 for explanation of the meaning of this verse.

The Earthly King

Proverbs 16:10, The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. (NIV) I. True, fair, impartial judgment is the responsibility of kings.

A. The lips of a king are to speak truth as if he were God’s oracle, speaking the word of God, pronouncing divine sentences, penalties for crimes. B. The king’s lips must not stray from justice, must not transgress in judgment, must not betray justice.

Proverbs 16:11, Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making. (NIV) I. God demands accurate balances, scales, weights and fair business transactions.

A. All unfair business dealings are against God’s will and will not go unpunished. B. Proverbs 11:1, The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. (NIV)



Proverbs 16:12, Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. (NIV) I. Kings detest wickedness, wrong-doing.

A. This is the rule to which there are many exceptions. B. Kings who commit wickedness are an abomination to God. This is the rule to which there are no exceptions. C. Romans 13:1, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (KJV)

II. Prudent kings know their thrones are established, continued by righteousness. Proverbs 16:13, Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. (NIV) I. Good kings delight, take pleasure in honest, righteous witnesses, testimony. II. Right thinking kings value, love the man who speaks the truth.

A. “The ideal king takes pleasure in the truth and justice that his subjects display in their conversation.”

III. “Regrettably, in the collective sense, their (Israel’s) monarchs were as wicked and reprobate a parade of scoundrels as the world has ever witnessed with perhaps six (6) exceptions to this rule.”

A. 1 Samuel 8:10-18, Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, "This is



what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." (NIV)

Proverbs 16:14, A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it. (NIV) I. A wise man appeases, pacifies the wrath of a king which otherwise could lead to the death sentence.

A. Verse 13 speaks of kings as they should be. This verse speaks of kings as they often actually are. B. In despotic kingdoms death often immediately followed royal displeasure. C. It was the pinnacle of good judgment to avoid at all costs the displeasure of the King.

Proverbs 16:15, When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. (NIV)



I. When a king smiles, appears benevolent, it means life, that the king is favorably disposed toward a man and his cause. II. A king’s favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

Right Choices

Proverbs 16:16, How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose under-standing rather than silver! (NIV) I. Wisdom is better than gold: Understanding is preferable to silver.

A. This is seen to be universally true in theory, but rare in practice.

Proverbs 16:17, The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. (NIV) I. The way of life, highway of the upright avoids evil.

A. You can’t get to Evil on the highway of Righteousness. B. The person who keeps, guards his way of life preserves his soul, his very life.

1. Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (KJV) 2. There are exceptions, but this is the rule. 3. Chance happens to all of us.



Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (NIV) I. Pride, a haughty spirit leads to destruction, a fall.

A. Proverbs 11:2, When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (NIV) B. Proverbs 15:33, The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (NIV) C. Proverbs 21:24, The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride. (NIV) D. Proverbs 22:4, through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (NIV) E. Proverbs 30:13, those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; (NIV)

Proverbs 16:19, Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. (NIV) I. It is better to be of lowly spirit, humble and poor than to be rich, divide the plunder (ill-gotten gain) with the proud, haughty, evil doers. Proverbs 16:20, Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. (NIV) I. Whosoever listens, heeds God’s word, instruction shall prosper, find good. II. Whosoever trusts in God is happy, blessed.



III. Heeding God’s word, trusting God are synonymous phrases. To do one is to do the other. Proverbs 16:21, The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. (NIV) I. The wise in heart are recognized as prudent, able to discern difficult matters. II. Pleasant words, the sweetness of the lips (to the teacher) promotes, increases instruction, learning. Proverbs 16:22, Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. (NIV) I. Understanding, to those who have it, is a fountain, wellspring of life.

A. Those who follow God’s way spare themselves innumberable problems.

II. Folly brings correction to fools.

A. Those foolish people who do not follow God’s way bring innumerable troubles upon themselves. B. Prisons are filled by those committed to state departments of correction.

Proverbs 16:23, A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (NIV) I. A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, lips, speech aright which, in turn, promotes teaching, instruction, makes him more persuasive.



A. Moffitt, “Good sense makes men judicious in their talk; it adds persuasiveness to what they say.” B. A wise mind enables a person to make his meanings clear. To be a master of words is a further advantage.

Proverbs 16:24, Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (NIV) I. Pleasant words are sweet like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul (helps us emotionally) and health to the bones (helps us physically).

A. Friendly conversation is agreeable and useful. B. It relaxes the mind, dispels anxiety, provides information, promotes mutual love and kindness, and enables us to return to life’s business with renewed vigor.

Proverbs 16:25, There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (NIV) I. There is a way that seems right unto a man (but which really is not right).

A. Thinking a way is right doesn’t make it so!

II. This questionable way leads to death eventually.

Warnings About Troublemakers

Proverbs 16:26, The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. (NIV)



I. The need to work to earn money with which to purchase things needed and wanted keeps a person on the job.

A. “I owe, I owe. It’s off to work I go.” B. Hunger keeps us on the job.

Proverbs 16:27, A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. (NIV) I. A worthless man, a scoundrel deviseth, plots evil, mischief. II. The scoundrels’ words burn, hurt, are offensive, injurious.

A. This mischief maker is a gossiper, a backbiter, a sower of dis-cord. B. His words “burn up” the reputations of those against whom he speaks.

Proverbs 16:28, A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (NIV) I. A perverse man sows, stirs up strife, dissension and his malicious words, whisperings, gossipings separate best, close friends.

A. Troublemakers are always causing problems.

Proverbs 16:29, A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. (NIV) I. A violent man tempts, entices his neighbor and leads him in the way, path that is not good.



A. Such sons of the devil take pleasure in seducing the virtuous from the way of life. B. Just as there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, there is malicious joy in hell when anyone turns from the straight and narrow way.

Proverbs 16:30, He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. (NIV) I. New Revised Standard Version, “One who winks his eye plans perverse things; one who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.” (... is bent on evil).

Concluding Reminder Proverbs 16:31, Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. (NIV) I. The hoary, gray head is a crown of splendor, glory if it is found in the way of righteousness. II. The gray head is a badge of honor if it is achieved by a life time of righteousness.

A. Many gray heads have gotten that way by evil living and trouble. These gray heads are not badges of honor.

Proverbs 16:32, Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. (NIV) I. The slow to anger, the one able to control his emotions, his spirit is better than a mighty soldier who has won remarkable victories, taken fortified cities.



II. A person who can truly control himself has won a harder victory than the decorated military hero. III. New International Version, “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:33, The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (NIV) I. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision, the whole disposing thereof is the Lord’s doing.

A. Making decisions by casting lots was a common Old Testament practice which continued into the early New Testament days. B. Matthias was chosen by lots to take Judas’ place as an apostle. C. It was thought that God in these situations controlled the “roll of the dice,” lots.



Questions

Proverbs 16:1-33

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. Into what five sections, according to Jesse M. Smith, can Proverbs 16 be arranged? _______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. “__________________ make their _______________________ but it is the ______________________________________ who makes those _____________________ _______________________.” 3. “______________________ the __________________________ of a _______________________ are ______________________ (right) in his ___________________________; but the _____________________ ______________________ the _____________________.” 4. All we plan to do and accomplish should be on condition that it is in _______________________ with the __________________________’s __________________________. It is ___________________________ Who enables us to achieve what we ____________________________. 5. ________________________ made ________________________ for a ________________________, even ______________________ serves a ______________________ in the day of __________________ __________________, the _________________ of________________.



6. What is God’s attitude toward the proud in heart? What will happen to them? ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. By what means can people rid themselves of iniquity? By what means can men depart from evil? _______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. The ____________________ of _______________________ which ___________________ ___________________________ is of such a nature that it has the ___________________ to turn ________________ into ______________________, to make _________________________ where there was once __________________________. 9. Had you rather be a poor righteous person or a really rich unjust person? Explain your answer. _________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. The _______________________ of the ______________________ are to speak ___________________ as if he were ________________’s _________________. As a judge he dispenses only _____________.



11. All __________________ ________________ _________________ Are against __________________’s ________________________ and will not go ________________________. 12. Do all kings detest wrongdoing? _______________ By what are royal thrones established? ____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. How would you describe Israel’s monarchs? Did they love honest people who spoke the truth? Give reasons for your answer. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. A __________________ __________________ _______________ , __________________________ the __________________________ of a ______________________________ which otherwise could lead to the _____________________ _____________________. 15. When a ______________________ ______________________ and appears _______________________, it means ____________________, that the ____________________ is _____________________________ ______________________ toward the ______________________ and his cause. The __________________’s _______________________ is like a _____________________ ___________________________ in the ______________________. 16. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold? How much better is it to choose understanding rather than silver? ______________________



__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. The person who travels the ____________________________ of the _____________________ __________________________________ his ________________________ and his ___________________________. 18. _______________________ goes before ____________________ a ____________________________ ________________________ before a _________________________. 19. Do you believe it is better to be humble and to live among the oppressed than to be rich and divide ill-gotten gain with proud haughty evil doers? If so, why? _______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. Who will prosper? Who will be blessed? _____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. What are the wise in heart called? ___________________________ __________________________________________________________ What do pleasant words promote? ______________________________ __________________________________________________________



22. What is understanding to those who have it? ___________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________ brings _____________________________ to ____________________________. 23. “_________________________ ______________________ makes men _______________________ in their ________________________: it adds _____________________ to what they ___________________.” 24. ________________________ _____________________________ are like a _____________________, __________________________ to the ___________________ (helps us ________________________) and _________________________ to the ____________________________ (helps us ________________________________). 25. What is the way that seems right, but actually leads to death? ______ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 26. “The ______________________’s _______________________ works for him; his __________________ ________________________ him on.” 27. “A ________________ ____________________ _______________, his __________________ is like a _____________________________.” This _______________________ ___________________________ is a ____________________, a ______________________________, a ______________________ of _____________________________ whose words _______________________ the _____________________ of those against whom he ____________________________.



28. “A ________________________ man stirs up _________________, and a _________________________ ____________________________ __________________________ ______________________________.” 29. Beware of those who would ___________________________ you to do ______________________. Remember, just as there is __________ _____________________ in _______________________________ over _____________________ ____________________________ that _______________________, there is ____________________________ _________________________ in ____________________________ when anyone turns from the _______________________________ and ______________________________ ___________________________. 30. What can you learn by a person’s facial expressions and body language? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 31. When is gray hair an honor? When is a hoary head dishonorable? __ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 32. In what ways can it be said that a patient man, one who is slow to anger, is better than a mighty warrior? ___________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



33. How, why can’t it be said that a man who controls his temper is better than a mighty warrior who conquers a major city? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 34. Exactly how were lots cast in the Old and New Testaments? How was God’s will determined by a chance procedure? Give examples of casting lots in the Old and New Testaments. ______________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 35. Which principles advocated in chapter 16 do you observe well? Which principles need more work in your life? ____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Documents

Proverbs 16, Man Under God - Bible Study Workshopbiblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/Proverbs16.pdfProverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through