161 The preparations [1] of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit [2] thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
161 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
161 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
161 Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.
2 Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.
3 Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place.
4 God made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included - but for judgment.
161 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits.
3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.
4 The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
161 We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 16:1-4
Commentary on Proverbs 16:1
(Read Proverbs 16:1)
The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
(Read Proverbs 16:2)
Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
(Read Proverbs 16:3)
Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:4
(Read Proverbs 16:4)
God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last.