Proverbs 16 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study
Proverbs 16 Short Summary:
Proverbs 16 continues the short proverbs of Solomon that began in chapter 10. Solomon’s proverbs are recorded in Proverbs chapter 10 through chapter 29. These proverbs are typically short and concise statements of wisdom for the medication of the reader.
Proverbs 16 Summary
BREAKDOWN OF PROVERBS - CHART
DEFINITIONS:
Atone (16:6) – To repair and make amends for something.
Oracle (16:10) – A statement spoken from divine inspiration; a statement of great wisdom.
Casting Lots (16:33) - Casting lots was a way of making a random selection, similar to how we might roll dice or draw straws. Nobody knows exactly how the process worked, or the instruments used, but we do know God often affected the outcome.
HIGHLIGHTED PROVERBS:
PROVERB #1:
Proverbs 16:4 – “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”
God’s creation is very intentional, He didn’t fill His world with objects for no purpose.
Each plant plays a role in the ecosystem and every animal is essential to keeping the world in balance.
Every human being is integral to God’s plan for the earth, both those who love Him and those who choose to hate Him.
Before creating the world, God knew that some would obey him and some wouldn’t.
It’s clear to see how God uses those who love Him to fulfill His will, but what about the people that hate Him.
Consider Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Judas sold out Jesus for money because he was selfish.
God, knowing that Judas would choose a path of selfishness, put him close to Jesus to use Him to get Jesus to the cross, which was a necessary part of God’s salvation plan.
A person can choose to be a sinner, but that doesn’t keep God from using them to work out His larger plans.
PROVERB #2
Proverbs 16:7 – “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
When a person exhibits the virtues of God, like generosity, kindheartedness, service, honesty, love, and helpfulness, it makes it hard for others to dislike them.
They may even win over their enemies through their kindness.
Many people are introduced to Jesus though His people displaying His qualities.
This isn’t to say everyone will love you if you’re a good person.
Some people may hate you because they hate God, that is another matter entirely, but at least you haven’t given them a reason to hate you because of your personal character.
Living a virtuous life will give you peace with yourself, peace with God, and peace with most of the people around you.
PROVERB #3:
Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Planning for the future is not a bad thing, but we need to keep in mind that our plans are not always God’s plans.
We plan for the future, but ultimately, it’s God who directs our steps.
The truth is, we know very little about the future and we know very little about ourselves.
But God knows the future and He knows the directions we need to take to develop into the people He wants us to be.
We should always remember that God’s plans are better than our plans, and He is a more faithful guide than our own hearts.
If He doesn’t permit the plans of our hearts to materialize, we must trust that the plans of His heart are better than ours could have imagined.
We are little people, living short lives, and we have limited perspective. It should come naturally to us to trust the Creator, whose perspective is so superior to ours, to order our lives and guide us through life.
