006 - Proverbs 16:3-4 – What does this passage mean? (Suggested by Pamelasv)

Proverbs 16:3-4 – What does this passage mean?

 

One of the things that hinders the understanding of this passage is that in each version something different is transmitted. After analyzing the context, I came to the conclusion that the versions that best express the meaning of Proverbs 16:1-4 are as follows:

 

·        “It is the part of man to prepare the soul: and of the Lord to govern the tongue.” (Proverbs 16.1 – Douay-Rheims).

·        “All a man's ways are clean to himself; but the Lord puts men's spirits into his scales.” (Proverbs 16.2 - BBE).

·        Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Proverbs 16.3-4).

 

Here is the message that the author of these proverbs wanted to convey.

It is up to man to prepare the heart (or soul, if you prefer) so that he is ready to attend the call of Christ (similar to what Ezra 7:9,10). It is up to the Eternal to rule the tongues of those with whom we have to deal (as well as ours) so that we will not prepare our hearts for the wrong thing or person.

Of course, in the eyes of the individual, his ways seem pure (no one makes a right decision that everything will go wrong). Fortunately, the Eternal puts our spirit and those with whom we have to deal on a scale (Proverbs 21:1), so that together we can achieve balance (righteousness).

But for this we have to hand over all our works and ways (Psalms 37:4-7) to the Eternal. He wants to lead us to His righteousness so that we may experience His real provision (2 Peter 1.3) that will allow Him to reign and to bear fruit in us (Matthew 6.33).

When this happens, we will have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). In this case, the plans will not be frustrated (Job 42.2), nor merely succeeded (as if producing only temporary carnal pleasure), but firmly established in order that it will be a blessing for future generations.

But for this we have to believe that all things were made by the Eternal, each having its purpose (even the life of the wicked). That is, instead of wishing to fight against the unjust, we must seek to know the way of the Eternal in the midst of the storm and whirlwind (Psalm 95:10, Nahum 1.3, 1Corinthians 10.13).

May Jesus help us to always let Jesus Christ do things for us and lead us, not what we think is right or what we want to be our right, but to our true right and reward that are in the hands of the Eternal (Isaiah 49.4).