Proverbs 16 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments
  • Proverbs 16:3 open_in_new

    Commit — Refer all thy actions and concerns to God, as the end of them, and depend upon God's providence for success. Established — Thy designs shall be brought to an happy issue.

  • Proverbs 16:4 open_in_new

    Doth work — He orders or disposes. For — For his own glory; for the discovery of his wisdom, power, goodness, truth, justice. The wicked — Wilful and impenitent sinners. Men make themselves wicked, and God therefore makes them miserable.

  • Proverbs 16:6 open_in_new

    By mercy — By a merciful and just and faithful frame of heart and course of life. Is purged — As they qualify a man to offer up acceptable prayers to God for the pardon of his sins. By fear — By a filial reverence unto God. Depart — They are kept from abusing pardoning mercy, and from returning to folly or wickedness.

  • Proverbs 16:9 open_in_new

    Deviseth — Proposes what he will do. Directeth — Over — rules and disposes all his designs and actions.

  • Proverbs 16:10 open_in_new

    A divine sentence — Great sagacity and piercing judgment. Of the king — Of wise kings; who only are worthy of that name and office.

  • Proverbs 16:11 open_in_new

    The Lord's — Are made by his direction and appointment, so that no man can alter them without violating God's rights and authority.

  • Proverbs 16:15 open_in_new

    A cloud — As acceptable as those clouds which bring the latter rain, whereby the fruits are filled and ripened a little before the harvest.

  • Proverbs 16:17 open_in_new

    The high — way — Their common road, in which they walk, tho' through frailty or temptation they slip into the bypath of sin. From evil — From the evil of sin, and consequently from the evil of punishment. Keepeth — That takes heed to walk in that high — way.

  • Proverbs 16:21 open_in_new

    The wise — He who is truly wise, shall be so accounted by others. Sweetness — Eloquence added to wisdom. Increaseth — Both in himself, for while a man teaches others, he improves himself; and others, who by this means are induced to hear and receive his instructions.

  • Proverbs 16:23 open_in_new

    Teacheth — Directs him what to speak, and keeps him from speaking foolishly. Addeth — Enables him to speak learnedly and wisely.

  • Proverbs 16:27 open_in_new

    Diggeth up — Prosecutes his evil designs with great industry. His lips — His tongue is set on fire of hell.

  • Proverbs 16:30 open_in_new

    Shutteth — That his thoughts may be more intent. Moving — Which is the gesture of one whose thoughts are deeply engaged.

  • Proverbs 16:33 open_in_new

    The lot — As the ancient practice was in deciding doubtful things. The event of which though casual to men, is directed by God's providence.