Studies in 'the Proverbs' Chapter 16, 'Verbatim', Post 17-AM, October 23, 2020

My friends, 

The introduction (chapters 1–9) of the Proverbs constitutes the youngest unit in the book. It consists of a series of poems or discourses in which a father exhorts his son to acquire wisdom and in which wisdom personified intervenes. These chapters have a more speculative quality than the remainder of the book. They do not treat wisdom simply as a human quality and achievement or as a cultural legacy imparted by teachers and parents; they present it as a universal and abiding reality, transcending the human scene.
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Wisdom is the first of God’s works and participated with him in the creation of the world. A constantly debated aspect of this section concerns the identity of “the loose [strange] woman” who is set over against Wisdom.

Take the proverbs of other nations, and we shall find great numbers founded upon selfishness, cunning, pride, injustice, national contempt, and animosities.

The principles of the Proverbs of Solomon are piety, charity, justice, benevolence, and true prudence. Their universal purity proves that they are the word of God.

Without further, let us continue in our section of Proverbs Chapters 12-24, this week, October 19-21-23, 2020. specifically, Chapters 14-15-16, as the Lord wills. audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html 

[Our studies began and continues since August 24-26-28, 2020; September 1-3; 7-9-11;15,17,2020; October 5-7; 13-15, 2020, with our verbatim posts of the Book of 'Wisdom', 'Proverbs']. ​​

​We have finished the first section of Proverbs Chapters 1-11. audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html 
For your reference, the following link for Chapters 1-11 is provided.
​Studies in 'the Proverbs' Review Links - Chapters 1-11, 'Verbatim', Post Script, October 7, 2020
 Other 'cumulative links' to posts shall be added as we proceed and take breaks, including Chapters 12,13,14. 

Remember, the principles of the Proverbs of Solomon are piety, charity, justice, benevolence, and true prudence. Their universal purity proves that they are the word of God.

Chapter 16 ​audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html ​​​​​Part 1 of 2.
w/Notes from the Commentary of Matthew Henry for further insight. [1710]

1 'The preparations 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 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.'

​Notes: audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html
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.
2. Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct.
3. Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.
4. God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last.'

5 'Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.'

​Notes:
5. 'Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God's judgments.
6. By the mercy and truth of God in Christ Jesus, the sins of believers are taken away, and the power of sin is broken.'

7 'When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
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8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.'
Notes:
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7. 'He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him.
8. A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better account than a great estate ill-gotten.
9. If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace.'

10'A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.'

Notes: audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html
10. 'Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God.
11. To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God's appointment.
12. The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security.
13. Put those in power who know how to speak to the purpose.
14,15. Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour.'

My friends, are you now better understanding - that there are 'two roads'? 'Two gates?' [Matthew 7:13-14]
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​Please return with me and Jesus through the Holy Spirit for a 'spot of tea' this afternoon as we continue in  Proverbs Chapter 16.  Thank you.  Amen. Amen. ​​audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html