Reading Plan · Day 190
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Proverbs 16-18
Day 190
Previously · Day 189 · Proverbs 13-15
The previous day's reading covered proverbs that showed choosing to embrace correction and understanding led to the ability to manage destructive emotions. However, avoiding correction and focusing on the short term and physical led to destructive actions driven by emotion.
Day 190 Read
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 16
1The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Commentary · verses 1-2
Doctrines on this passage
3Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.
3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Commentary · verse 3
"Commit" in this verse meant "to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together." When used in the context of "Commit thy works unto Jehovah" it meant to transfer your works to another, letting God work through you.
4Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Commentary · verse 4
This verse stated that God made "the wicked for the day of evil." This did not mean that God made these people to be wicked. People were created by God and the wicked chose to be wicked.
5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Commentary · verse 5
Everyone that was proud in heart was an abomination to God. Pride was the belief that you were in need of nothing. The proud believe they are right and cannot consider they are wrong.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Commentary · verse 6
Fearing (reverencing) God was the cause of departing from evil.
7When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.
7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Commentary · verses 7-8
How much you HAVE is not as important as whether you are righteous.
9A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.
11A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work.
9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Commentary · verses 9-11
God was Just.
12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Commentary · verse 12
The throne of a king would not be "established" if not done by righteousness. "Established" meant "firm, stable."
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Commentary · verses 13-16
Wisdom and understanding were much better to get than gold or silver.
Doctrines on this passage
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Commentary · verses 17-18
The path of the righteous was away from evil. Those who "keepeth" or guarded their path were protecting their soul. Are you intentional about the choices you make?
Commentary · verse 18
Pride was the cause of destruction.
19Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Commentary · verse 19
It was better to be humble and poor than prideful and rich.
Doctrines on this passage
20He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Commentary · verse 20
Those who handled a situation wisely (profitably) would find good and those who trusted (had faith) in God would be happy as an effect.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Commentary · verse 21
HOW we speak will impact the quantity of what is learned by the words we use. It is not only important to give a right HOW but to speak the right way. "Sweetness of the lips" was one way we could speak with a right HOW.
22Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.
23The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Those with a wise heart would use the right words.
24Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Commentary · verses 24-25
More teaching about the ways of man (flesh) being short term and destructive.
Doctrines on this passage
26The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him thereto.
27A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
28A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Commentary · verses 26-28
A whisperer caused division. The word "whisperer" was the same as the word "gossiper." Gossip was speaking something destructive about someone that you were unwilling to speak to their face.
29A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good.
30He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
31The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness.
29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Commentary · verses 29-31
"The hoary head" meant "old age, gray hair." Having long life as an effect of living wisely would be a crown of glory.
32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Commentary · verse 32
Slow to anger (spiritual power) was better than might (physical power). This verse blatantly pitted the ability to handle emotions against physical power.
33The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.
33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 17
1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.
1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Commentary · verse 1
How much food you have is not as important as whether or not your house is harmonized.
2A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.
2A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
Commentary · verses 2-3
God tested the hearts of man.
4An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
4A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Commentary · verse 4
Those who were destructive looked for others who were similar to them. They felt more right in their destruction when they were not alone.
5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Commentary · verse 5
Mocking the poor and being happy about others' misfortunes would be punished and was actually called a reproach to God the Creator.
6Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.
7Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.
6Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Commentary · verses 6-7
Fools were those without understanding and therefore they did not speak excellent (profitable) words.
8A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Commentary · verse 8
The word "bribe" was also translated as "gift." It seemed to fit better as "gift" or "present" in this context. When someone gives to you, you see it as precious.
9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
10A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Those who were wise knew that spiritual correction (contrastive thinking) was better than physical correction.
11An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
11An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Commentary · verse 11
Those who sought rebellion would find rebellion in return.
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Commentary · verse 12
It was better to interact with a bear whose babies were stolen than to interact with a fool who was acting foolishly. Again, the physical was contrasted with people led by their emotions.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Commentary · verse 13
Those who destroyed a good creation would have destruction always in their house.
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Those who enabled the wicked and condemned the good were alike in the eyes of God.
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Commentary · verse 16
Only a fool would think he could buy understanding...that the physical could be a cause for the mental, emotional, and spiritual.
17A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
18A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Commentary · verses 17-18
"Striketh hands" meant "shaking hands." The handshake represented this man ensuring the loan. In particular, this was ensuring or guaranteeing someone else's "surety" (debt). Doing this was considered foolish.
19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.
20He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Commentary · verses 19-20
The condition of our hearts and tongues (words) guided us in our path. Is your heart and tongue in line with wisdom and understanding?
21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.
22A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Commentary · verses 21-22
A "cheerful" heart was good medicine. However, the "cheerfulness" ought to be the result of a right HOW/WHY such as "trusting in God," like was stated in Proverbs 16:20.
23A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.
23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Commentary · verse 23
This usage of "bribe" in this verse fit the context. A bribe perverted Justice.
24Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
24Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Commentary · verse 24
Those who had understanding knew HOW and WHY it was important to live each moment profitably.
25A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.
26Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
27He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
25A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Commentary · verses 25-27
Those who "spareth" their words had knowledge. They knew when to speak. Those who were of a "cool spirit" were also those with understanding. "Cool" meant "valuable." They had a profitable spirit.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Commentary · verse 28
We ought to speak when the timing is right. Those who had understanding knew when was the right time to speak.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 18
1He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Commentary · verse 1
Those who isolated themselves sought their own desires and went against all sound wisdom. God desired that we fellowship with others, that we sought the best interest of others. Living wisely led to putting the best interest of others ahead of your own desires.
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach.
4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Commentary · verses 2-4
The words we used and the actions we took were planted as an effect in our hearts.
5To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Commentary · verse 5
It was not good (right and just) to honor the wicked.
6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
6A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Commentary · verse 6
A fool, one without understanding, called for physical ramifications.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Commentary · verse 7
A fool's words brought him destruction.
8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Commentary · verse 8
Gossip was destructive.
9He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Commentary · verse 9
Those who were slothful (resting without work) were a "brother" to a destroyer/evil.
10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Commentary · verse 10
The Lord's name was a strong tower and the righteous ran to it and were protected. The word "name" meant "cause." In this case, the righteous ran after God's causes: Right and Just.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Commentary · verses 11-12
Pride (cause) came before destruction (effect). Humility (cause) came before honor (effect). This was a powerful summary for everything we have read in these three chapters. Pride and humility were causes and the effects were physical results.
13He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Commentary · verse 13
We ought to want all the information possible, we ought to seek understanding.
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Commentary · verses 14-16
A man who gives (loves) will have "doors" of opportunity opened with great men.
17He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle.
17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Commentary · verses 17-19
It was hard to "win" a brother that had been offended. This was why repair was so important. When you offended someone, what did you do to make it right?
20A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
20A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Commentary · verses 20-21
"Death and life were in the power of the tongue" - Our beliefs are made up of words and sentences. Knowing the definitions of the words you use is crucial to understanding WHAT you believe and WHY you believe it.
Doctrines on this passage
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Commentary · verse 22
Finding a wife was a good thing because a wife was a "help meet." They were a perfect and superior match to man. See Genesis 2:18.
23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
24He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Commentary · verses 23-24
This day's reading covered three chapters that continued the theme of contrasting the ability to handle emotions with physical effects. Next were specific examples that continued to further this theme...
This was comparative thinking: seeing yourself as always right. Contrastive thinking was considering you could be wrong. Man did not do this in his flesh: "the ways of a man."