King James Version
Proverbs 16
33 verses with commentary
Proverbs on the Lord's Sovereignty
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. preparations: or, disposings
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses the relationship between human agency and divine sovereignty: 'The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.' Humans prepare their hearts (ma'arakhei lev)—they plan, deliberate, and form intentions. Yet 'the answer of the tongue' (ma'aneh lashon) comes from the LORD. We may prepare what to say, but God determines what actually comes ou...
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**XVI.**
(1) **The preparations of the heart in man . . .**—Rather, *To man belong the counsels of the heart. *He may turn over in his mind what is the right thing to be said on any occasion, “but from the Lord is the answer of the tongue.” (Comp. Proverbs 15:23.)
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
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KJV Study Commentary
Human self-assessment is unreliable—we judge our ways pure while God weighs spirits (motives, intents). This exposes self-deception requiring external, objective evaluation by God's word and Spirit. Reformed theology emphasizes total depravity affecting even our self-knowledge, necessitating divine illumination.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes.**—Yet that does not excuse his faults in God’s sight. (Comp. 1Corinthians 4:4.) So much the more reason is there for anxious self-examination and testing the conduct by God’s word, and, when this has been done to the best of our power, still to pray for cleansing from faults which have escaped our notice. (Psalm 19:12.)
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Commit: Heb. Roll
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.</strong> This verse presents a foundational principle for godly living: consecrating our activities to God results in mental and spiritual stability. The Hebrew verb "commit" (גֹּל/<em>gol</em>) literally means "roll" or "roll away"—a vivid image of transferring a burden. The word appears in Psalm 37:5 with identical us...
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(3) **Commit thy works unto the Lord.—**Literally, *roll them upon Him, *as a burden too heavy to be borne by thyself. “Thy works” signify all that thou hast to do. (Comp. Psalm 37:5.) God provides such works for us. (Comp. Ephesians 2:10.)
**And thy thoughts shall be established.—**Thy plans shall prosper, for they will be undertaken according to the will of God, and carried out by His aid. (Comp...
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12. Compare similar expressions (Ex 3:20; De 4:34, &c.).
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
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The LORD made all things for Himself, including the wicked for judgment day. This asserts God's absolute sovereignty and right to glorify Himself through all creation. Even evil serves God's purposes, though He is not its author. The wicked's judgment displays God's justice, vindicating His holiness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **The Lord hath made all things for himself—**i.e., to serve His own purposes, that His wisdom, goodness, &c, may be thereby revealed. Or the passage may be translated, “hath made all for its own end or purpose.” The assertion that “He has made the wicked for the day of evil,” does not mean that He created any one for punishment—*i.e., *predestined him for destruction. It only teaches that eve...
Read full commentary →Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. unpunished: Heb. held innocent
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This verse pronounces divine judgment on the proud: 'Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.' Pride of heart (gevah-lev) represents internal arrogance, not merely external display. God abhors it with the strong term 'abomination' (to'evah). The phrase 'though hand join in hand' likely means even if proud people form alli...
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(5) **Though hand join in hand.—**See Note on Proverbs 11:21.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
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<strong>By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.</strong> This proverb reveals the twofold means of dealing with sin: divine atonement and human response. The Hebrew <em>chesed</em> (חֶסֶד, "mercy") denotes covenant faithfulness and loyal love, while <em>emet</em> (אֱמֶת, "truth") signifies reliability, faithfulness, and integrity. Together, these di...
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(6) **Mercy and truth.—**See above on Proverbs 3:3. Mercy and truth cannot, of course, in themselves “purge iniquity,” only so far as they are signs of the “faith which worketh by love” (Galatians 5:6), which accepts the salvation offered by God (Romans 1:16-17). (Comp. the statement with regard to charity, 1Peter 4:8.)
**By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.**—Or, rather, *escape misfortu...
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**15. overthrew--**literally, "shook off," as in Ex 14:27, as a contemptuous rejection of a reptile.
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
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When a person's ways please the LORD, even enemies are at peace with them. This promises providential protection for the obedient, though not immunity from all conflict. God can turn hearts (as He did with Joseph's brothers) or restrain opposition when it serves His purposes.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **When a man’s ways please the Lord **. . .—Comp. Genesis 26:28; 2Chronicles 17:10-11.
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts quantity with quality: 'Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.' The Hebrew 'tsedeq' (righteousness) encompasses both ethical living and right relationship with God. The word 'mishpat' (right/justice) emphasizes legal and moral uprightness. Reformed theology rejects prosperity as the ultimate good, affirming instead that godliness with conten...
Read full commentary →A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
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This verse articulates the Reformed doctrine of divine providence and sovereignty over human agency. While man possesses genuine moral agency to plan ('deviseth' from Hebrew 'chashab'), God exercises ultimate governance over outcomes ('directeth' from 'kun', to establish). This is not fatalism but acknowledgment that God's decree works through human volition. The verse provides comfort: our plans ...
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(9) **A man’s heart deviseth his way **. . .—“Man proposeth, God disposeth.” (See below on Proverbs 20:24.)
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. A divine: Heb. Divination
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KJV Study Commentary
A king's lips speak with 'divine sentence' (Hebrew 'qesem'—oracle or authoritative decision), and his mouth 'transgresseth not in judgment.' This describes the ideal king who speaks with God-given wisdom and never perverts justice. This points typologically to Christ, the perfect King whose judgments are always righteous. Reformed theology's doctrine of the magistrate emphasizes that earthly ruler...
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(10) **His mouth transgresseth not in judgment.**—Or, *should not transgress, *as being the representative of God upon earth, and so distinguished by the title of “God” himself (Psalm 82:6). This verse recalls the days of Solomon’s youth, when it was his highest aspiration to judge his people righteously (1Kings 3:9). Comp. David’s noble words (2Samuel 23:3).
A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work. the weights: Heb. the stones
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KJV Study Commentary
God requires just weights and balances—'A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.' The Hebrew 'mishpat' (just) emphasizes legal and ethical correctness. This verse establishes God as the source and guarantor of justice in commerce. Dishonest business practices violate God's character. Reformed theology sees all of life as coram Deo (before the face of God),...
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(11) **A just weight and balance are the Lord’s.**—See above on Proverbs 11:1.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
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KJV Study Commentary
Wickedness is an 'abomination to kings' because 'the throne is established by righteousness.' The Hebrew 'kun' (established) means to be firmly set, stable, and enduring. Unrighteous rule is inherently unstable; only righteousness provides lasting foundation for governance. This reflects Reformed political theology: governments exist to restrain evil and promote good (Romans 13:1-7). When rulers e...
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(12) **It is an abomination to kings**. . . .—This and the following verse are, like Proverbs 16:10, descriptive of the ideal king who, above all things, loves truth and justice. Psalms 72 works out the thought more fully. How feebly the character was fulfilled by Solomon or the best of his successors the history of Israel shews. It was too high a conception for man to carry out, and was fulfilled...
Read full commentary →Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
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KJV Study Commentary
Kings delight in 'righteous lips' and love 'him that speaketh right.' The ideal ruler values truth-tellers, not flatterers. The Hebrew 'yashar' (right/upright) describes straightforward, honest speech. This contrasts with Ahab, who preferred false prophets over truth-speaking Micaiah (1 Kings 22). Reformed theology emphasizes the importance of speaking truth to power. Leaders who surround themselv...
Read full commentary →The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
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The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. <em>Chamat-melekh mal'akhey-mavet</em> (חֲמַת־מֶלֶךְ מַלְאֲכֵי־מָוֶת, the wrath of a king—messengers of death). Royal anger dispatches death like sending messengers. <em>Ve'ish chakham yekhaperennah</em> (וְאִישׁ חָכָם יְכַפְּרֶנָּה, but a wise man will pacify it). <em>Kaphar</em> (כָּפַר, atone, pacify, appease) describ...
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**23. remembered us--**or, "for us" (Psa 132:1).
**our low estate--**that is, captivity.
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
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In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. <em>Be'or-peney-melekh chayyim</em> (בְּאוֹר־פְּנֵי־מֶלֶךְ חַיִּים, in the light of the king's face—life). Royal favor brings life and prosperity. <em>Uretsono ke'av malqosh</em> (וּרְצוֹנוֹ כְּעָב מַלְקוֹשׁ, and his favor like cloud of latter rain). <em>Malqosh</em> (מַלְקוֹשׁ, latter rain) came in sp...
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(15) **A cloud of the latter rain.—**This fell at the end of March, maturing the barley and wheat crops before the harvest in April. It was eagerly looked for as of great importance. (Comp. Psalm 72:6 for the same figure.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. And hath redeemed us--**or, literally, "snatched us"--alluding to the sudden deliverance effected by the overthrow of Babylon.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
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How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! <em>Qenot-chokhmah mah-tov mecharu/ts</em> (קְנֹת־חָכְמָה מַה־טּוֹב מֵחָרוּץ, acquiring wisdom—how much better than gold!). <em>Uqenot vinah nivchar mikasef</em> (וּקְנוֹת בִינָה נִבְחָר מִכָּסֶף, and acquiring understanding to be chosen over silver). The rhetorical question emphasizes wisdom's...
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25. To the special favors to His people is added the record of God's goodness to all His creatures (compare Mt 6:30).
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
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KJV Study Commentary
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. <em>Mesilat yesharim sur mera</em> (מְסִלַּת יְשָׁרִים סוּר מֵרָע, the highway of the upright—departing from evil). <em>Mesillah</em> (מְסִלָּה, highway, raised road) represents the upright person's characteristic path—avoiding evil. <em>Shomer darko shomer nafsho</em> (שֹׁמֵר דַּרְכּוֹ שֹׁמֵר נַפְשׁוֹ,...
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(17) **The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.**—This is the plain way of duty, which lies right before him, which cannot be mistaken, whatever other difficulties he may have. (See above on Proverbs 6:23.)
**He that keepeth his way.—**That looks well to it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26. God of heaven--**occurs but once (Jon 1:9) before the captivity. It is used by the later writers as specially distinguishing God from idols.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
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Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. This timeless proverb encapsulates a fundamental principle of moral causation in the Hebrew worldview. The word translated 'pride' (Hebrew: gaon) refers to excessive self-elevation and arrogance that blinds one to reality and God's sovereignty. The parallel construction with 'haughty spirit' (Hebrew: ruach gavah) emphasizes the i...
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(18) **Pride goeth before destruction.**—In contrast to the blessing promised to humility in Proverbs 15:33.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly , than to divide the spoil with the proud.
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Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. <em>Tov shefal-ruach et-anavim</em> (טוֹב שְׁפַל־רוּחַ אֶת־עֲנָוִים, better lowly of spirit with the humble). <em>Mechalleq shalal et-ge'im</em> (מֵחַלֵּק שָׁלָל אֶת־גֵּאִים, than dividing plunder with the proud). Humble poverty beats proud prosperity. The proverb values character over material gain. Je...
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PSALM 137 Psa 137:1-9. This Psalm records the mourning of the captive Israelites, and a prayer and prediction respecting the destruction of their enemies.
**1. rivers of Babylon--**the name of the city used for the whole country.
**remembered Zion--**or, Jerusalem, as in Psa 132:13.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. handleth: or, understandeth a matter
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KJV Study Commentary
Handling matters wisely finds good, but trusting the LORD brings blessedness. This distinguishes prudence from faith—both are necessary, but blessing flows ultimately from dependence on God, not mere competence. Happy is the one whose trust rests in the LORD, not personal wisdom.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **He that handleth a matter wisely.—**Or, perhaps, *he that attendeth to the word *of God. (Comp. Proverbs 13:13.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. upon the willows--**which may have grown there then, if not now; as the palm, which was once common, is now rare in Palestine.
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
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The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. <em>Lachakham-lev yiqqare navon</em> (לַחֲכַם־לֵב יִקָּרֵא נָבוֹן, to the wise in heart will be called discerning). Wisdom earns a reputation for discernment. <em>Umetoq sefatayim yosif leqach</em> (וּמֶתֶק שְׂפָתַיִם יֹסִיף לֶקַח, and sweetness of lips adds learning). <em>Metoq</em> (מֶתֶק, sweetness) in...
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(21) **The sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.**—Power to express the thoughts in graceful language adds greatly to the value of learning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. Whether the request was in curiosity or derision, the answer intimates that a compliance was incongruous with their mournful feelings (Pr 25:20).
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
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Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. <em>Meqor chayyim sekhel be'alaiv</em> (מְקוֹר חַיִּים שֵׂכֶל בְּעָלָיו, a fountain of life is understanding to its possessor). Understanding provides perpetual refreshment and vitality. <em>Umusar evilim ivvelet</em> (וּמוּסַר אֱוִילִים אִוֶּלֶת, but the discipline of fools is folly). Fools' instru...
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(22) **The instruction of fools is folly.- **While understanding is “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11) giving health and refreshment and vigour both to the possessor and his friends, the discipline given by fools is worse than useless, being folly itself. Or it may mean, “the discipline which fools have to endure is folly.” If they will not be taught by wisdom, their own folly will serve as a r...
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3-4. Whether the request was in curiosity or derision, the answer intimates that a compliance was incongruous with their mournful feelings (Pr 25:20).
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. teacheth: Heb. maketh wise
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KJV Study Commentary
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. <em>Lev chakham yaskil pihu</em> (לֵב חָכָם יַשְׂכִּיל פִּיהוּ, the heart of the wise teaches his mouth). The wise person's heart instructs their speech. <em>Ve'al-sefataiv yosif leqach</em> (וְעַל־שְׂפָתָיו יֹסִיף לֶקַח, and to his lips adds persuasiveness). Wisdom from the heart produces effective, persuasive speech. The ...
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(23)**Addeth learning to his lips.—**His wisdom and learning do not remain hidden in his heart, but continually rise to his lips, like the waters of an everflowing fountain, for the instruction of others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. For joyful songs would imply forgetfulness of their desolated homes and fallen Church. The solemn imprecations on the hand and tongue, if thus forgetful, relate to the cunning or skill in playing, and the power of singing.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb , sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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KJV Study Commentary
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. <em>Tsuf-devash imrey-no'am</em> (צוּף־דְּבַשׁ אִמְרֵי־נֹעַם, a honeycomb—pleasant words). <em>Matoq lanefesh umarpe la'etsem</em> (מָתוֹק לַנֶּפֶשׁ וּמַרְפֵּא לָעֶצֶם, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones). Pleasant words provide both emotional sweetness and physical health. The proverb celebrates gracious commu...
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(24) **Pleasant words.**—Comp. Proverbs 15:26.
**Health to the bones.—**Comp. 1Samuel 14:27.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. For joyful songs would imply forgetfulness of their desolated homes and fallen Church. The solemn imprecations on the hand and tongue, if thus forgetful, relate to the cunning or skill in playing, and the power of singing.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
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KJV Study Commentary
There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. This critical verse (repeated at 14:12) warns that subjective certainty doesn't guarantee truth. Autonomous human reason, unaided by revelation, confidently walks toward death despite subjective assurance of rightness. The verse refutes both moral relativism ('seems right to me') and rationalistic confidence in ...
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**7-9. Remember ... the children of Edom--**(Compare Psa 132:1), that is, to punish.
**the day of Jerusalem--**its downfall (La 4:21, 22; Ob 11-13).
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. He: Heb. The soul of him that craveth: Heb. boweth unto him
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KJV Study Commentary
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. <em>Nefesh amel amelah lo</em> (נֶפֶשׁ עָמֵל עָמְלָה לוֹ, the soul of a laborer labors for him). The laborer works for his own benefit. <em>Ki-achaf alav pihu</em> (כִּי־אָכַף עָלָיו פִּיהוּ, for his mouth urges him on). Hunger motivates work. This proverb celebrates work's self-interested motivation while acknowledging natu...
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(26) **He that laboureth laboureth for himself.—**Rather, *the desire, *or *hunger, of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urges him on; *the feeling that he is supplying his own needs gives him strength for his work.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. Remember ... the children of Edom--**(Compare Psa 132:1), that is, to punish.
**the day of Jerusalem--**its downfall (La 4:21, 22; Ob 11-13).
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. An: Heb. A man of Belial
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KJV Study Commentary
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. <em>Ish beliyya'al koreh ra'ah</em> (אִישׁ בְּלִיַּעַל כֹּרֶה רָעָה, a worthless man digs up evil). <em>Beliyya'al</em> (בְּלִיַּעַל, worthless, wicked, destructive) describes someone who excavates evil like mining for treasure. <em>Ve'al-sefotav ke'esh tsoreevet</em> (וְעַל־שְׂפֹתָיו כְּאֵשׁ צָרָבֶת, and on his lips like ...
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(27) **Diggeth up evil.—**Digs, as it were, a pit for others by his malicious plottings and slanders (Psalm 7:15).
**In his lips there is as a burning fire.—“**Set on fire of hell” (James 3:6).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. Remember ... the children of Edom--**(Compare Psa 132:1), that is, to punish.
**the day of Jerusalem--**its downfall (La 4:21, 22; Ob 11-13).
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. soweth: Heb. sendeth forth
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KJV Study Commentary
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. <em>Ish tahpukhot yeshal lech madon</em> (אִישׁ תַּהְפֻּכוֹת יְשַׁלַּח מָדוֹן, a perverse man sends forth strife). <em>Tahpukhot</em> (תַּהְפֻּכוֹת, perverseness, frowardness) describes twisted character sowing (<em>shalach</em>, שָׁלַח, send, dispatch) conflict. <em>Venirgan mafrid aluf</em> (וְנִרְגָּן מַפְרִיד אַלּוּף, and a...
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(28) **A froward man.—**Who distorts the truth.
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
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KJV Study Commentary
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. <em>Ish chamas yefat te re'ehu</em> (אִישׁ חָמָס יְפַתֶּה רֵעֵהוּ, a man of violence entices his neighbor). <em>Chamas</em> (חָמָס, violence, wrong, cruelty) characterizes the wicked who <em>patah</em> (פָּתָה, entice, seduce, deceive) neighbors. <em>Veholikho bederekh lo-tov</em> (וְהוֹלִיכוֹ בְּדֶרֶךְ לֹא־טוֹב, ...
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(29) **A violent man enticeth his neighbour**. . . .—Comp. Proverbs 1:10, *sqq.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 138 Psa 138:1-8. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness.
**1. I will praise thee with my whole heart--**(Compare Psa 9:1).
**before the gods--**whether angels (Psa 8:5); or princes (Ex 21:6; Psa 82:6); or idols (Psa 97:7); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone...
Read full commentary →He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
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KJV Study Commentary
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. <em>Otsets eynav lachshov tahpukhot</em> (עֹצֵץ עֵינָיו לַחְשֹׁב תַּהְפֻּכֹת, closing his eyes to devise perverse things). The schemer shuts eyes to concentrate on evil plans. <em>Qorets sefataiv killah ra'ah</em> (קֹרֵץ שְׂפָתָיו כִּלָּה רָעָה, compressing his lips he completes evil). Pursed lips indicate det...
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(30) **He shutteth his eyes**. . . .—By the movement of eyes and lips he gives the signal for mischief to his confederates. (Comp. Proverbs 6:13.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. (Compare Psa 5:7).
**thy word above all thy name--**that is, God's promise (2Sa 7:12-16), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
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KJV Study Commentary
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. <em>Ateret tif'eret seyvah</em> (עֲטֶרֶת תִּפְאֶרֶת שֵׂיבָה, a crown of glory is gray hair). <em>Seyvah</em> (שֵׂיבָה, gray hair, old age) can be glorious. <em>Bederekh tsedaqah timmatse</em> (בְּדֶרֶךְ צְדָקָה תִּמָּצֵא, in the way of righteousness it is found). The condition: righteousness. Old age isn't automaticall...
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(31) **If it be found in the way of righteousness.**—Rather, *it is found; *old age being promised as the reward of obedience. (Comp. Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 9:11; Proverbs 10:27.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psa 68:29, 31; Is 4:3).
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb values self-control over military strength: 'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.' Conquering cities demonstrated military prowess and earned fame in the ancient world. Yet Proverbs declares that ruling one's own spirit (moshel berucho) surpasses such achievements. 'Slow to anger' (erekh appayim—literally 'long o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **He that is slow to anger. . . .**—For victory over self is the hardest of all victories. (Comp. 1Corinthians 9:27.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psa 68:29, 31; Is 4:3).
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. <em>Bachetq yutal et-hagoral</em> (בַּחֵתֶק יוּטַל אֶת־הַגּוֹרָל, into the lap is cast the lot). Ancient decision-making used lots—casting stones or dice. <em>Ume-YHVH kol-mishpato</em> (וּמֵיְהוָה כָּל־מִשְׁפָּטוֹ, but from the LORD is all its judgment/decision). Despite appearing random, lots' outcomes are divinely det...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **The lot is cast into the lap . . .—**In other words, much that we attribute to chance is due to the providence of God. (Comp. Matthew 10:29-30.) This should be an encouragement to trust in Him.
**Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it (Psa 68:29, 31; Is 4:3).