Download Proverbs 16.17

Book of Proverbs
Chapter 16:17-33
16:17 – God directs us to the holy highway
A highway represents a person’s life. The upright person is in the habit of departing from
evil. Traveling the right way is the only safe road for our soul. Other proverbs reveal the
importance of taking the right road in life (Prov. 4:14-15, 18-19).
16:18-19 – God warns about the consequences of pride
These verses amplify the truth about pride. Pride is the root of all sin and the Bible reveals
its costly consequences (Satan, Adam and Eve, Pharaoh, Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod,
and many others). The Bible describes pride as a person’s heart being lifted up. Pride is
first on God’s hate list (Prov. 6:16-19), but humility is one of the most desirable qualities,
Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in
spirit. There is a difference between humility and humiliation. Humility is a wise person
seeing himself as God does. Humiliation is a proud person being embarrassed. God gave
all people a will to choose. The power to choose is a blessing, but it can be disastrous
because there is always the potential for pride and rebellion.
16:20 – God gives two ingredients for success
These two things are wisdom and faith. A person who makes wise decisions and trusts in
the Lord will find true goodness and happiness in life.
16:21-23 – God values a wise heart and winsome words
These three verses emphasize the excellence of wisdom and its connection to heart and
speech. This connection is found often in Proverbs and the rest of scripture. The phrase
“sweetness of the lips” (vs. 21) means gentle and persuasive language that causes others to
listen and learn. The “wellspring of life” (vs. 22) is a source of unending refreshment and
is a biblical image of salvation. Verse 23 states that the heart informs the mouth to say
wise things. Obtaining wisdom is a lifelong pursuit and a learning process.
16:24 – God describes the double benefit of pleasant words
Pleasant words are like honey: they are good (tasty) and they are good for you (healthy).
God’s words are also described as sweet as honey (Ps. 19:10).
16:25 – God warns about self-deception
This warning is also found in Proverbs 14:12, so it must be very important. Jesus likewise
warned of self-deception in Matthew 7:13-14 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is
the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and
few there be that find it. Many think they are on the right road, but they are headed for
eternal destruction in Hell. People often say, “We’re all striving for the same place,” but
they will be surprised when they reach their destination.
16:26 – God motivates us to work through hunger
If we are going to eat we must work. Paul wrote about this in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For
even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither
should he eat. Hunger is a great motivator.
16:27-28 – God describes a wicked tongue
These verses begin the same way, describing a wicked person. The word “ungodly” can be
translated “scoundrel, man of Belial, worthless person.” He looks to use bad information
for evil purposes. The word “forward” means “perverse.” He starts fights between
friends. An ungodly tongue is like four things: 1) a shovel digging up evil; 2) a torch
setting a fire; 3) a farmer planting trouble; and 4) a wedge separating close friends. God
hates anyone who sows discord (Prov. 6:19). The whisperer does his damage secretly.
Some people will believe anything if you whisper it. Before we repeat something we
should ask: Is it true? Is it necessary to tell it? Is it helpful?
16:29-30 – God warns about the violent person
The violent person wants company and influences people the wrong way. He uses the
power of persuasion to recruit others. The shutting of eyes (vs. 30) refers to meditating on
ways to do evil. Then he communicates his desires with his words. Once again we see the
connection of thinking, speaking, and acting.
16:31 – God describes a senior saint
The gray hair is a crown of glory when an older person is living a righteous life. The gray
hair is a symbol of honor and respect. How sad when a senior adult is not found in the way
of righteousness. How tragic it is to see a white-headed person living for the devil.
Following God’s leadership is the way to ensure a godly walk (Ps. 23:3).
Importance of “a man’s way” in Proverbs 16:






All the ways of a man are clean (acceptable) in his own estimation (vs. 2)
A man’s ways should please the Lord (vs. 7)
Only God has the authority and ability to direct a man’s way (vs. 9)
A man should take the holy way, not the sinful way (vs. 17)
A man’s way may seem right, but it may end in death (vs. 25)
A man’s neighbor (friend) can lead him in the wrong way (vs. 29)
16:32 – God praises the greatest hero
There is one who deserves higher praise than a man who can conquer a city and that is the
man who is slow to anger. Alexander the Great was able to conquer the ancient world, but
he was not able to conquer himself. Self-control (victory over self) is more impressive
than any battlefield victory.
16:33 – God controls all things
Even something that seems like luck or chance is actually the result of God’s sovereign
will. There is no such thing as luck, only divine providence. Too many people are hoping
that “Lady Luck” is on their side instead of depending on Father God.
Use of “lots” in the Bible:








The selection of a scapegoat on the Day of Atonement, Lev. 16:8
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes, Num. 26:52-56
The selection of warriors from the tribes, Judg. 20:9-10
The priestly service was scheduled for the Temple, 1 Chron. 24:5-19
Haman determined the best day to destroy the Jews, Esth. 3:7
The sailors determined Jonah was responsible for the storm, Jon. 1:7
The soldiers gambled for Jesus’ garments, Mt. 27:35
The apostles found a replacement for Judas Iscariot (Matthias), Acts 1:26
Book of Proverbs
Chapter 16:17-33
16:17 – God_______________________________________________________________
A highway represents a person’s life. The upright person is in the habit of departing from
evil. Traveling the right way is the only safe road for our soul. Other proverbs reveal the
importance of taking the right road in life (Prov. 4:14-15, 18-19).
16:18-19 – God____________________________________________________________
These verses amplify the truth about pride. Pride is the root of all sin and the Bible reveals
its costly consequences (Satan, Adam and Eve, Pharaoh, Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod,
and many others). The Bible describes pride as a person’s heart being lifted up. Pride is
first on God’s hate list (Prov. 6:16-19), but humility is one of the most desirable qualities,
Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in
spirit.
16:20 – God_______________________________________________________________
These two things are wisdom and faith. A person who makes wise decisions and trusts in
the Lord will find true goodness and happiness in life.
16:21-23 – God____________________________________________________________
These three verses emphasize the excellence of wisdom and its connection to heart and
speech. This connection is found often in Proverbs and the rest of scripture. The phrase
“sweetness of the lips” (vs. 21) means gentle and persuasive language that causes others to
listen and learn. The “wellspring of life” (vs. 22) is a source of unending refreshment and
is a biblical image of salvation. Verse 23 states that the heart informs the mouth to say
wise things. Obtaining wisdom is a lifelong pursuit and a learning process.
16:24 – God_______________________________________________________________
Pleasant words are like honey: they are good (tasty) and they are good for you (healthy).
God’s words are also described as sweet as honey (Ps. 19:10).
16:25 – God_______________________________________________________________
This warning is also found in Proverbs 14:12, so it must be very important. Jesus likewise
warned of self-deception in Matthew 7:13-14 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is
the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and
few there be that find it.
16:26 – God_______________________________________________________________
If we are going to eat we must work. Paul wrote about this in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For
even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither
should he eat. Hunger is a great motivator.
16:27-28 – God____________________________________________________________
These verses begin the same way, describing a wicked person. The word “ungodly” can be
translated “scoundrel, man of Belial, worthless person.” He looks to use bad information
for evil purposes. The word “forward” means “perverse.” He starts fights between
friends. An ungodly tongue is like four things: 1) a shovel digging up evil; 2) a torch
setting a fire; 3) a farmer planting trouble; and 4) a wedge separating close friends. God
hates anyone who sows discord (Prov. 6:19). The whisperer does his damage secretly.
Some people will believe anything if you whisper it. Before we repeat something we
should ask: Is it true? Is it necessary to tell it? Is it helpful?
16:29-30 – God____________________________________________________________
The violent person wants company and influences people the wrong way. He uses the
power of persuasion to recruit others. The shutting of eyes (vs. 30) refers to meditating on
ways to do evil. Then he communicates his desires with his words.
16:31 – God_______________________________________________________________
The gray hair is a crown of glory when an older person is living a righteous life. The gray
hair is a symbol of honor and respect. How sad when a senior adult is not found in the way
of righteousness. Following God’s leadership is the way to ensure a godly walk (Ps. 23:3).
Importance of “a man’s way” in Proverbs 16:






All the ways of a man are clean (acceptable) in his own estimation (vs. 2)
A man’s ways should please the Lord (vs. 7)
Only God has the authority and ability to direct a man’s way (vs. 9)
A man should take the holy way, not the sinful way (vs. 17)
A man’s way may seem right, but it may end in death (vs. 25)
A man’s neighbor (friend) can lead him in the wrong way (vs. 29)
16:32 – God_______________________________________________________________
There is one who deserves higher praise than a man who can conquer a city and that is the
man who is slow to anger. Self-control (victory over self) is more impressive than any
battlefield victory.
16:33 – God_______________________________________________________________
Even something that seems like luck or chance is actually the result of God’s sovereign
will. There is no such thing as luck, only divine providence. Too many people are hoping
that “Lady Luck” is on their side instead of depending on Father God.
Use of “lots” in the Bible:








The selection of a scapegoat on the Day of Atonement, Lev. 16:8
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes, Num. 26:52-56
The selection of warriors from the tribes, Judg. 20:9-10
The priestly service was scheduled for the Temple, 1 Chron. 24:5-19
Haman determined the best day to destroy the Jews, Esth. 3:7
The sailors determined Jonah was responsible for the storm, Jon. 1:7
The soldiers gambled for Jesus’ garments, Mt. 27:35
The apostles found a replacement for Judas Iscariot (Matthias), Acts 1:26