Proverbs
Chapter 16
Man’s heart makes plans, but it is the Lord who answers.
Although people are satisfied with all of their deeds, the Lord considers the motives.
Trust everything you do to the Lord, and your plans will come true.
The Lord created everything with a purpose, even the evildoer for the day of punishment.
The Lord despises the proud heart; you can be sure it will be punished.
With goodness and faithfulness, you atone for your sin; with reverence for the Lord, you may turn away from evil.
When the Lord is pleased with a man’s actions, he even reconciles his enemies with him.
It is better to have little but be just than to have a high income without honesty.
Man’s heart seeks the right way, but it is the Lord who makes his footsteps sure.
The king’s lips speak oracles; he will never be wrong in his judgment.
The Lord requires fair scales and balances; the weights are crafted by his hands.
Kings who commit evil are an abomination; it is justice that upholds the kingship.
He who judges with justice wins the king’s favor; honest men are pleasing to him.
The king’s anger is a messenger of death, but the wise man knows how to calm him.
The king’s calm face symbolizes life, and his favor is like the spring rain.
It’s better to gain wisdom than wealth, and discernment rather than silver.
An honest person’s way is to avoid evil; he who watches his steps keeps his life safe.
Pride comes before a fall, and an overbearing attitude leads to downfall.
It’s better to stay humble among those of low status than to split the treasure with the proud.
He who listens to the word will find happiness; blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
He who has wisdom in his heart will be called discerning; moderate speech brings understanding.
Good sense is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it; foolishness is the punishment of fools.
The wise man’s heart guards his mouth, making his words more impactful.
Kind words are like a honeycomb: sweet to the spirit and good for the body.
To some, his way appears honest, but in the end, it results in death.
The worker’s appetite benefits him; the need to eat motivates him.
The troublemaker prepares disgrace; a blazing fire is on his lips.
The scoundrel causes trouble; his harsh comments divide friends.
A violent man deceives his neighbor and guides him down a harmful path.
He who shuts his eyes and purses his lips to scheme deceit is already committing evil.
White hairs are a noble crown for those who have walked the path of virtue.
The patient man is better to prefer over the hero; a man who controls himself is superior to one who conquers cities.
The lot is cast into the bag, but the decision comes from the Lord.
Commentaries
Second Collection – Proverbs of Solomon.
The core and oldest part of the book begins with the title “Proverbs of Solomon.” In reality, scholars place this section shortly after the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC). Babylon had already entered Jewish territory, and violence increased daily. During this crisis, a group of wise men compiled a series of sayings and proverbs, some moral and others legislative, aiming to encourage the community and teach that the righteous—those who believe in the Lord and truly love him—will not suffer violence or death. Throughout this section, wisdom calls for conversion and justice, as well as the experience of poverty.
Second Collection.
These opening verses have a clear central theme: the Lord, mentioned eight times, and his constant influence on an individual’s conscience. One could think it’s an overpowering presence that leaves people with no choice or independence. However, we shouldn’t view it that way. In ancient times, and especially within Israelite culture, everything was attributed to the divine. We understand that God respects human autonomy and freedom at all costs; it’s only at the level of consciousness that God intervenes, sometimes in a way that might seem exaggerated.
Second Collection.
The dominant theme is the king, mentioned five times. He was seen as a representative of God, so he was expected to be the first to administer justice; it was even believed that he was infallible and that his wrath could be catastrophic for the people. This highly exalted figure of the king could evoke King Josiah, at a time when there was a longing for someone to impart justice.
Second Collection.
Wisdom is the best choice for humans, because it surpasses any wealth, clears every obstacle, makes the wise person more aware, and helps them be careful and discreet. In short, it makes a person more human and, above all, freer.
Second Collection.
For the wisdom tradition, a long life signifies a person with a good quality of life. A poor quality of life here is linked to violence, which makes the path difficult for those who do not know how to seek wisdom, that is, the secrets to living well. The best indicator of a good life is justice practiced and lived, with gray hair as its outward sign. Here, there is a call to respect the elders of our communities, since they are the living symbols of a journey traveled and life experiences that should not be underestimated.