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    Proverbs 16 (KJV)

    Read Proverbs chapter 16 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Proverbs 16

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Proverbs 16:3

    "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be es…"

    Proverbs 16:9

    "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his s…"

    Proverbs 16:32

    "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he t…"

    Proverbs 16:18

    "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before…"

    Proverbs 16:24

    "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and h…"

    Popular Verses in Proverbs 16

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Proverbs 16:3 KJV

    Wisdom & Guidance

    Proverbs 16:9 KJV

    Wisdom & Guidance

    Proverbs 16:18 KJV

    Key Proverbs

    Proverbs 16:24 KJV

    Key Proverbs

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    Proverbs 16 Summary

    Proverbs 16 focuses on God's sovereignty over human plans. Humans make plans, but the Lord establishes their steps. The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord.

    The chapter also teaches that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Gray hair is presented as a crown of splendor, attained in the way of righteousness.

    Key Themes

    God's sovereignty over plansPride before a fallGray hair as crownSelf-control

    Key Verses in Proverbs 16

    "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

    — Proverbs 16:9

    Balances human responsibility with divine sovereignty in a single verse.

    "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

    — Proverbs 16:18

    One of the most quoted proverbs, warning against the self-destructive nature of pride.

    "Better a patient man than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."

    — Proverbs 16:32

    Inner strength (self-control) is valued above outward military conquest.

    Life Application

    Make your plans, but hold them loosely. God directs your steps. And guard against pride—it is the surest path to a painful fall.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does God control every decision?

    This proverb teaches that God is sovereign over the outcomes of our decisions. We have genuine choice, but God superintends the results.

    Read the full summary of Proverbs

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