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The first nine verses of Proverbs 16 are framed around the heart of man. We learn one may desire something but overall, the sovereign Lord of the universe establishes his steps. This truth, repeated throughout Proverbs 16, intends to teach us to depend upon the Lord. Depending upon the Lord means recognizing reality. Though we must cultivate attitudes that depend upon the Lord, depending upon God recognizes his position in all things. He is Lord and humanity moves and has their being in him.
Verse 1 reminds us again of the tongue and in so doing encourages dependence upon the Lord from the recesses of our heart.
Verse 2 encourages us to even give over our own evaluation of ourselves to God.
Verse 3 reminds us of the benefits of depending upon God.
Verse 4 puts the sovereign rule of the Lord before us and reminds us that even the wicked do not escape God’s control.
Verse 5 – this sovereign Lord whom no one can oppose assures us that the arrogant of heart, those who are an abomination to the Lord, will not go unpunished.
Verse 6 introduces us to grand themes in the Bible, steadfast love, faithfulness, the fear of the Lord, and atonement.
Verse 7 continues the theme of pleasing the Lord.
Verse 8 reminds us that Wisdom’s Way is the best way.
Verse 9, again demonstrates the benefit of committing your ways to the Lord.
The next verses of Proverbs 16 (verses 10-33) continue focusing on the heart and the sovereign rule of the Lord, though this time we see a repeated pattern of a king. Again, these Proverbs are to be considered one at a time and allow their truth to pour over us.
Verse 10 speaks to the fear one should have when they approach a wise king.
Verse 11 extends our view of God’s sovereignty. He even rules what is in the bag on the scales.
Verses 12-15 gives verse 10 a fuller understanding. The king’s mouth does not sin in judgment. Verses 12-15 tells us why.
In verse 16 we continually see the benefit of wisdom.
Verse 17 takes our minds towards a highway where we learn the high way of the upright and the danger avoided when your way is guarded.
In verse 18 the guard is removed demonstrating what causes a fall – pride.
Verse 19 continues the themes of pride.
Verses 20-24 focus again on the mouth and connect speech with trusting in the Lord, being wise of heart, having good senses, judicious, and graciousness.
Verse 25 repeats the theme of this proverb and calls us to consider the Lord’s judgment on our ways.
Verses 26-28 encourages a wise work ethic.
Verse 29 focuses our attention on leading our neighbors.
Verse 30 focuses again on how our behavior affects others.
Verse 31 reminds us Wisdom takes a lifetime.
Verse 32 speaks of the danger of losing our temper.
Verse 33 rounds out the whole chapter with what we considered at the first and calls for continual trust in the Lord. A life that trusts the Lord depends upon him. A life that depends upon him will consider him in all their ways. A life that considers God at every step is a life lived in wisdom.