Proverbs Chapter Study
Commit Thy Works Unto the LORD
Proverbs 16 (KJV)
Proverbs 16 teaches that man may plan his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Solomon emphasizes God’s sovereignty, righteous judgment, humility, wise speech, honest business, and self-control. This chapter reminds us that true wisdom begins when our plans, words, motives, and decisions are submitted to the LORD.
Proverbs 16 shows that wisdom submits every plan, word, motive, and step to the LORD.
What You’ll Learn
- Why the LORD weighs the heart and motives of every person
- What it means to commit your works unto the LORD
- How God directs the steps of those who trust Him
- Why humility is better than pride and self-promotion
- How wise speech brings learning, healing, and peace
- Why self-control is greater than outward strength
Wisdom commits every plan to the LORD, walks in humility, speaks with understanding, and trusts God to direct the steps.
Chapter Navigation
Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.
Proverbs 16 (KJV)
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
Proverbs 16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Verse-by-Verse Study
Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Study: Man may prepare his thoughts, but the final answer belongs to the LORD. Spiritually, this teaches dependence on God in both planning and speaking. Practically, wisdom asks God to guide not only what we think, but also what we say.
Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Study: People often justify their own choices, but God weighs the heart and motive behind them. Spiritually, this warns against self-deception. Practically, a decision can seem right to us while still needing to be tested before the LORD.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Study: To commit our works to the LORD means to place our plans, labor, and outcomes under His authority. Spiritually, trust brings stability. Practically, when God becomes the foundation of our work, our thoughts become clearer and more established.
Proverbs 16:4
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Study: The LORD rules over all creation and all outcomes. Spiritually, this declares God’s sovereignty over both righteousness and judgment. Practically, evil does not escape God’s authority or His appointed day of accountability.
Proverbs 16:5
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Study: Pride is deeply offensive to the LORD, and no alliance can protect the proud from judgment. Spiritually, pride places self above God. Practically, even strong human support cannot rescue a person from the consequences of arrogance.
Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Study: Mercy and truth deal with sin, and reverence for the LORD turns people away from evil. Spiritually, forgiveness and transformation belong together. Practically, true fear of God changes behavior, not just beliefs.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Study: When a person’s life pleases God, the LORD can bring peace even in difficult relationships. Spiritually, favor with God matters more than control over people. Practically, righteousness can reduce conflict in ways manipulation never could.
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Study: A small amount gained righteously is better than great wealth gained unjustly. Spiritually, integrity is more valuable than increase. Practically, dishonest success eventually becomes a burden instead of a blessing.
Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Study: Man makes plans, but the LORD ultimately directs the path. Spiritually, this teaches trust in God’s guidance over personal control. Practically, wise planning must remain surrendered to God’s direction.
Proverbs 16:10
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
Study: Rulers are responsible to speak judgment with wisdom and justice. Spiritually, authority is accountable to God. Practically, leadership should never use words carelessly when decisions affect the lives of others.
Proverbs 16:11
A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Study: Honest measurements and fair dealings belong to the LORD. Spiritually, God cares about integrity in business and daily transactions. Practically, righteousness includes accuracy, honesty, and fairness in how we deal with others.
Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
Study: Wickedness corrupts leadership, but righteousness establishes authority. Spiritually, God’s standard applies to rulers as well as citizens. Practically, leadership is strongest when it is built on justice and moral integrity.
Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
Study: Honest speech is valuable to wise leaders. Spiritually, righteousness should shape what we say. Practically, people who speak truth with integrity become trustworthy voices in places of responsibility.
Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
Study: The anger of a ruler can bring serious consequences, but wisdom can calm danger. Spiritually, wisdom knows how to respond under pressure. Practically, careful words and humble conduct can de-escalate tense situations.
Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Study: A ruler’s favor can bring relief, blessing, and opportunity. Spiritually, this points to the value of favor rightly given. Practically, good leadership can refresh people like rain after a dry season.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Study: Wisdom and understanding are worth more than gold and silver. Spiritually, eternal value is greater than earthly wealth. Practically, money without wisdom can be lost, wasted, or misused, but understanding guides life well.
Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Study: The upright walk away from evil and guard their path. Spiritually, righteousness is not passive; it chooses separation from sin. Practically, protecting your direction protects your soul.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Study: Pride often appears before ruin, and arrogance prepares the way for a fall. Spiritually, pride blinds the heart to dependence on God. Practically, when a person becomes unteachable, collapse is often closer than they think.
Proverbs 16:19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Study: Humility with the lowly is better than sharing wealth with the proud. Spiritually, God values humility over status. Practically, it is better to stand with humble people than prosper with arrogance.
Proverbs 16:20
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Study: Wise handling of matters brings good, and trusting the LORD brings true happiness. Spiritually, wisdom and faith work together. Practically, careful action joined with trust in God leads to better outcomes and deeper peace.
Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Study: Wisdom in the heart produces prudence, and gracious speech helps others learn. Spiritually, wisdom shapes both character and communication. Practically, people are more likely to receive truth when it is spoken with grace.
Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Study: Understanding gives life to the person who has it, but foolish instruction only produces more folly. Spiritually, true understanding refreshes the soul. Practically, not all advice is worth following; foolish teaching leads to foolish results.
Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Study: A wise heart trains the mouth and adds instruction to speech. Spiritually, godly words begin with a heart formed by wisdom. Practically, before the mouth speaks well, the heart must be taught well.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Study: Gracious words can bring sweetness, strength, and healing. Spiritually, speech can minister life to the inner person. Practically, encouragement and kindness can refresh someone more deeply than we realize.
Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Study: A path can seem right to a person while still leading to destruction. Spiritually, human judgment must be submitted to God’s truth. Practically, what feels right should still be tested by Scripture, wisdom, and counsel.
Proverbs 16:26
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
Study: Hunger and need motivate a person to work. Spiritually, this shows the connection between responsibility and provision. Practically, necessity can become a powerful teacher that pushes a person toward diligence.
Proverbs 16:27
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
Study: An ungodly person searches for evil and uses speech like fire. Spiritually, corrupt hearts produce destructive words. Practically, some people create damage by digging up trouble and spreading it.
Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Study: A perverse person spreads conflict, and gossip can divide close friends. Spiritually, strife is often planted through corrupt speech. Practically, whispering and private accusations can destroy relationships that took years to build.
Proverbs 16:29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
Study: A violent person draws others into harmful paths. Spiritually, evil often seeks company. Practically, the people we follow can pull us toward destruction if their direction is not good.
Proverbs 16:30
He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Study: This verse pictures someone carefully plotting evil and then bringing it about through speech. Spiritually, wickedness often begins in hidden intention before it becomes visible action. Practically, schemes and manipulative words can cause real harm.
Proverbs 16:31
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Study: Gray hair is honorable when joined with a righteous life. Spiritually, age is most glorious when it reflects faithfulness to God. Practically, long life becomes a testimony when it is marked by wisdom and righteousness.
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Study: Self-control is greater than military strength or outward conquest. Spiritually, ruling the spirit shows deep wisdom and humility. Practically, controlling anger may be one of the strongest victories a person can win.
Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Study: Even what appears random is under the LORD’s sovereign rule. Spiritually, God governs outcomes beyond human control. Practically, this brings confidence that chance, timing, and decisions are not outside His authority.
Chapter Synopsis
Proverbs 16 teaches that God rules over the plans, motives, words, decisions, and outcomes of life. Solomon shows that people may prepare their hearts and make plans, but the LORD directs the steps and weighs the spirit. The chapter calls the reader to commit every work to the LORD, walk in humility, reject pride, value righteousness over wealth, and seek wisdom above gold or silver. Proverbs 16 also emphasizes honest business, righteous leadership, gracious speech, and the danger of gossip, violence, and ungodly counsel. The chapter closes by showing that self-control is greater than outward strength and that even the casting of lots is under the LORD’s sovereign direction.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to commit my works unto You. Search my heart, weigh my motives, and lead my steps according to Your will. Keep me from pride, arrogance, dishonest gain, and careless speech. Give me wisdom greater than gold, understanding greater than silver, and self-control that honors You. Let my words bring healing, peace, and learning. Help me trust Your direction in every plan, decision, and outcome. Amen.
Personal Application
Plans and Direction
Make plans with diligence, but submit every step and outcome to the LORD.
Humility Over Pride
Reject pride before it becomes destruction, and choose humility even when pride appears profitable.
Words That Heal
Use speech that teaches, encourages, and brings health instead of words that burn, divide, or stir up strife.
Self-Control
See ruling your own spirit as a greater victory than winning outward battles.
Weekly Actions
- Read Proverbs 16 every day this week
- Memorize Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 16:9, or Proverbs 16:32
- Write down one plan and intentionally commit it to the LORD in prayer
- Identify one area where pride needs to be replaced with humility
- Choose pleasant words in one difficult conversation
- Ask God to weigh your motives before making an important decision
- Practice self-control by pausing before reacting in anger
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 16 teaches that the LORD is sovereign over the heart, the tongue, the path, and the outcome of every life. The chapter begins by showing that while people prepare and plan, the answer and direction ultimately belong to God. Solomon calls the reader to commit all works to the LORD, trust Him to establish thoughts, and remember that God weighs motives more accurately than man does. The chapter warns strongly against pride, showing that arrogance leads to destruction and that humility is better than sharing gain with the proud. It also teaches that righteousness is better than dishonest wealth, wisdom is better than gold, and understanding is better than silver. Proverbs 16 gives practical instruction for leadership, business, speech, friendship, anger, and self-control. Pleasant words bring healing, gossip separates close friends, and ruling the spirit is greater than taking a city. The chapter ends by reminding us that even what appears random is under the LORD’s rule.
Check this box when you finish this chapter study.
You have completed 0 of 31 chapters in Proverbs.
View your full progress on the Proverbs Hub.
Still Studying?
Have a Question About This Chapter?
Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God’s Word.
Ask a Bible Question →