16:1: God made us so that we can think properly—but apart from Him (His
         word), we do not  know that we speak properly.
16:2: It is easy for us to defend ourselves and look good in our own eyes—but
         what is God seeing?
16:3: This verse establishes the starting point that will help with the possible 
         problems of verses 1  and 2.
16:4: There is a purpose—and a day—for the wicked.  By establishing the
         boundaries that define  wickedness, He guaranteed the outcome of the
         day of “calamity” (Numbers 32:23; Hosea  8:7).
16:5: Here is another verse which shows what the Lord thinks of the
         proud—whether they be  alone or united.
16:6: Note the opposites in each phrase:
         Mercy and truth versus iniquity (result = atonement)
         Fear of the Lord versus evil (result = depart from evil)
16:7: This is one of those “general” rules”:  If I walk in harmony with God, my
         enemies will be silenced.
16:8: The righteous “poor” ALWAYS come out ahead of the unjust “rich.”
        How many times do  we have to hear it to believe it?
16:9: See Jeremiah 10:23.  Make all of your plans and take all of your steps
         in the light of His will  (Ephesians 5:17-17).
16:10-15:  Here is sound advice for kings from the KING.  All who serve
                 under them should take  heed and expect the best from their king. 
                 God has ordained civil government.  When right  judgments are
                 made, they are ultimately from God.  These verses PROVE that
                 rulers are accountable for policy, decisions, and character!
16:16: Seeking the wisdom and understanding that are recommended here
           could save your soul  from earthly agony and eternal loss.
           (Luke 12:15-21).
16:17: See Isaiah 35 and James 4:7,8.
16:18,19:  Three strikes against the proud and a grand slam for the humble!
16:20,21:  Here are two totally positive verses—as they have their foundation
                 in the Lord and His  Word.
16:22: It is far better to live a life that produces than to live a life where all the
           “lessons” are from  your mistakes!
16:23,24:  Here is more of the positive—from the heart, to the mouth, to the
                 lips, to the ears, and to  the depths of the soul.
16:25: Here is 14:12 all over again.  Do you remember it?
16:26:  This a good example of how God means for our bodies and our souls
            to work together for  our own good.
16:27-30:  The negative sentiments of the chapter “catch up” with the positive.
                 Here are eight sad  descriptions in a row.  This person plots,
                 speaks, sows, separates, entices, leads, winks, and  brings—all in
                 connection with evil.
16:31:  Honor to God is now given for the long life of the righteous.
16:32: Can you control your temper?  It is your responsibility, you know!
16:33: Do you rely on the Lord in all of the decisions of your life?
 
 

1.    Verse 1:  Adam Clarke - “To man are the dispositions of the heart; but
        from the Lord is the answer of the tongue.”  Latin Vulgate - “It is the
        part of man to prepare his soul: it is the prerogative of the Lord to govern
        the tongue.”  Septuagint - “The heart of man deviseth righteous things, 
        that its goings may be directed by God.”  (Compare verses 3, 9, and 23.)
2.    Are we right in the Lord’s eyes if we are right in our own (v. 2)?
3.    How can we establish our thoughts (v. 3)?
4.    For whom are all things made (v. 4)?
5.    Who is an abomination to the Lord (v. 5)?
6.    When are a man’s enemies made to be at peace with him (v. 7)?
7.    What does verse 10 mean?
8.    What is the Lord’s work (concern; v. 11)?
9.    Verses 10-15 concern the administration of government.
10.  How much do we believe verse 16?
11.  Who preserves his soul (v. 17)?
12.  To what does pride and a haughty spirit lead (v. 18)?
13.  Verse 22 is an allusion to an artery that carries blood from the heart to
       every part of the body.
14.  What kind of words are sweet and healthy (v. 24)?
15.  Can a way which seems right to us lead to death (v. 25)?
16.  What part of man is often the “inspiration” for his work or labor (v. 26)?
17.  How is an ungodly person described in verse 17?
18.  A violent man ________________________ his neighbor, and
       _____________________ _________ into the way that is not
       good.  He ________________________ his eyes to devise
       _____________________ things: moving his ____________ he 
       bringeth ____________ to pass (vv. 29,30).
19.  When is the hoary (gray or white) head a crown of glory (v. 31)?
20.  Discussion:  Should we use the casting of lots to make disposition of
       matters today (v. 33)?  
            Numbers 26:55,56 - Division of the promised land.
            Luke 1:9 - Assigning of priests’ duties.
            Acts 1:23-26 - Selection of Matthias as an apostle of Christ.
 

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