16:2 are pure in his own eyes People tend to rationalize their motives and behavior (compare 14:12), but God discerns both.

16:3 Commit your work to Yahweh To commit one’s work to Yahweh is to trust Him (Psa 37:5).

16:5 he will not go unpunished An expression of faith in God’s justice (see note on Eccl 8:13).

16:6 loyalty and faithfulness The Hebrew text here uses the word pairing of chesed and emet, which also occurs in Prov 3:3–4, which says that the person who keeps chesed and emeth finds the favor of Yahweh (see note on 3:3).

iniquity will be covered over The ot sacrificial system required that an offering or sacrifice be made to signify atonement (see note on Lev 4:20). This proverb is not intended to negate this idea but instead to note that it is only through faith and love that atonement can come.

by fear of Yahweh The fear of Yahweh—a proper attitude of reverence—serves as a protection from sin. See Prov 1:7 and note.

Fearing God in the Old Testament

16:8 Better is little with righteousness Emphasizes that righteousness is better than material wealth (see note on 1:3; note on 15:16).

Topics in Proverbs Table

16:10 in judgment his mouth will not sin The king in this proverb is most likely righteous and wise (20:28). Other proverbs address the reigns of wicked kings (28:15–16).

16:11 A balance and scales of justice belong to Yahweh See 11:1 and note.

16:14 The wrath of a king An angry king is unpredictable, unleashing his wrath in any direction he pleases. The wise person tries to assuage the anger (19:12; 20:2; 24:21–22).

16:15 the light of the face of the king Refers to the king’s favor or friendliness (compare Pss 4:6; 44:3; 89:15).

is like a cloud of spring rain Those who wisely appease the king’s wrath obtain his favor. Compare Prov 14:35.

16:16 Getting wisdom: how much better than gold Wisdom is also shown to be preferable to precious metals in 3:13–15 and Job 28:15–19.

16:18 Before destruction comes pride Pride, a characteristic of fools, leads to disgrace (Prov 11:2; 29:23).

a haughty spirit The Hebrew word used here, govah, literally refers to height (Job 11:8) and figuratively refers to pride (Psa 10:4; Jer 48:29). While the proud may find some success (Prov 16:19), they will eventually be brought low—often through their own stupidity and refusal to listen to instruction.

16:19 Better a lowly spirit Humility, like righteousness, is preferable to wealth (compare vv. 8; 15:16 and note).

16:20 happiness The Hebrew word used here designates someone who is fortunate or privileged. See note on Psa 1:1.

16:21 perceptive The ability to make wise choices (to use discernment) is closely related to wisdom (compare Prov 1:2 and note; 8:12 and note).

Wisdom and Related Terms

16:23 will make his mouth judicious The Hebrew word used here, sakhal, indicates acting wisely (14:35; 17:2). People’s actions or speech reveal their wisdom.

16:25 a way that seems upright to a man See note on 14:12.

16:27 A man of wickedness The Hebrew word used here, beliyya'al, can refer to worthlessness or wickedness. Throughout Proverbs, this type of person is frequently characterized by dishonest speech. Compare 6:12 and note.

16:28 he who whispers The Hebrew word used here refers to grumbling or slanderous talk (Deut 1:27).

16:30 He who winks his eyes A characteristic of a worthless person (Prov 6:12–15). See note on 6:13.

16:31 A crown of glory is gray hair In the ancient Near East, old age was typically associated with wisdom (Job 12:12).

16:33 lot will be cast Ancient Israelites cast lots to determine action or responsibility (1 Chr 25:8; Josh 14:2; compare Neh 11:1 and note). While casting lots amounts to a game of chance, Yahweh can determine the outcome (1 Sam 14:41–42; compare Jonah 1:7).

Old Testament Theology and Divination