Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. The same is said in Proverbs 14:12, and is here repeated because of the excellence, importance, and usefulness of the observation, and to excite an attention to it; that men may be more diligent to look into their ways, and be more cautious where and how they walk, and be more considerate and thoughtful of the issue of them. See Gill on "Proverbs 14:12". Proverbs 16:26 Ver. 26. He that laboureth, laboureth for himself,.... Man is born for labour; it is a part of the curse inflicted on him for sin; and his condition and circumstances are such as make it necessary, for such who will not work ought not to eat; and it is labouring for food and raiment which is here meant, and that is for a man's self; for if he labours to be rich and lay up money, and purchase estates, these are more for others than himself, and indeed he knows not for whom he labours.

16:12. 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. 16. There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom. 17. A sincerely religious man keeps at a distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that walks in Christ, and is led by the Spirit of Christ. 18. When men defy God's judgments, and think themselves far from them, it is a sign they are at the door. Let us not fear the pride of others, but fear pride in ourselves. 19. Humility, though it exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy. He that understands God's word shall find good. 21. The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents. 22. As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours. 23. The wise man's self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others. 24. The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls. 25. This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls. 26. We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. The same is said in Proverbs 14:12 , and is here repeated because of the excellence, importance, and usefulness of the observation, and to excite an attention to it; that men may be more diligent to look into their ways, and be more cautious where and how they walk, and be more considerate and thoughtful of the issue of them. See Gill on Proverbs 14:12 .

Proverbs 16:25-26 . There is a way, &c. — See on Proverbs 14:12 . He that laboureth, laboureth for himself — For his own use and benefit. Solomon’s design in this proverb is, to condemn idleness, and to commend diligence, in a man’s calling; for his mouth craveth it of him — Hebrew, אכ Š עליו , boweth to him, namely, as a suppliant; beggeth him to labour, that it may have something put into it, for its own comfort, and the nourishment of the whole body.

This whole verse was delivered before, Proverbs 14:12 , and is here repeated, partly for its great importance and usefulness to prevent that self-deceit which is so common and dangerous; and partly to keep men from leaning too much to their own understanding, and to oblige them to seek and receive the good counsels of wise and holy men.

Verse 23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth - He has a wise heart; he speaks as it dictates; and therefore his speeches are all speeches of wisdom. PROVERBS 16: 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Verse 24 Pleasant words are as a honey-comb - The honey of which is sweeter than that which has been expressed from it, and has a much finer flavour before it has come in contact with the atmospheric air. PROVERBS 16: 25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Verse 25 There is a way that seemeth right - This whole verse is precisely the same as that Proverbs 14:12. PROVERBS 16: 26 The appetite of the labouring man labours for him; for his mouth urges him on. Verse 26 He that laboureth - No thanks to a man for his labor and industry; if he do not work he must starve. PROVERBS 16: 27 A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire. Verse 27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil - How will the following suit? Effodiuntur opes irritamenta malorum "Wealth, the incitement to all evil, is digged up out the earth." A wicked man labors as much to bring about an evil purpose, as the quarryman does to dig up stones. In his lips - a burning fire - His words are as inflammable, in producing strife and contention among his neighbors, as fire is in igniting dry stubble. PROVERBS 16: 28 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.