Proverbschapter 16
33 verses · BSBProverbs book hub →
Original Language
Proverbs 16— Hebrew word study · with the Hebrew tradition
How to read a word below: the Hebrewword, then how it sounds, then what it means, then its number in Strong’s concordance, which is the key every lexicon and concordance uses (H for Hebrew and Aramaic, G for Greek). Square brackets hold a word the English supplies that the Hebrew does not, angle brackets name a word that does a grammatical job rather than carrying a meaning, and the mark ס or פ is where the Hebrew manuscripts end a paragraph.
Man Deviseth His Way, but Jehovah Directeth His Steps1
1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
Rashi on Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart are man’s He arranges his counsel and his words in his heart.
Read it in full at Sefaria · The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg
Aramaic Targum to Proverbs 16:1
From a person is the stirring of the heart, and from God is the speech of the tongue.
Read it in full at Sefaria · Sefaria Community Translation
2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
3Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.
4The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.
5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Pride Goeth Before Destruction10
10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.
Rashi on Proverbs 16:10
There is magic on a king’s lips On the lips of a wise man sitting in judgment.
Read it in full at Sefaria · The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg
11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
Rashi on Proverbs 16:11
The balance and scales of justice are the Lord’s etc. to requite a person according to his deed. משפט is (justice in French, in German Gerechtigkeit, and so in Isaiah,) the retribution for a person’s sins with a balance and scales.
Read it in full at Sefaria · The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg
12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
Rashi on Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness It is an abominable thing for judges, and it is not proper for them to commit wickedness.
Read it in full at Sefaria · The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg
13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
Rashi on Proverbs 16:14
The king’s wrath is like messengers of death, like messengers of death [but not angels of death].
Read it in full at Sefaria · The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg
15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
Rashi on Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the King’s countenance is life The one to whom the Holy One, blessed be He, shows a bright countenance—it is life to him. Therefore, a person must straighten his way before Him.
Read it in full at Sefaria · The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg
16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
The Lot Is Cast, but the Whole Disposing Is of Jehovah23
23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
27A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.