Proverbs 16:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The preparations of the heart, &c.— Houbigant renders it, It is in man to prepare discourse within himself; it is in the Lord to moderate or rule the tongue. Bishop Patrick says, the Hebrew words run plainly thus; Man hath the disposing of the heart: He may, with God's leave and common assistance, intend, propound, resolve within himself, what he will say and do; but that he shall be able to utter things in that order he hath premeditated, or, if he be able, shall attain the end of his deliberation and eloquent speech, is more than he can undertake; for that is as the Lord pleaseth. God, therefore, would have us to acknowledge this our weakness, and to fear and depend upon him; as it follows, Proverbs 16:3.