Proverbs 16 – 18

These next three chapters are different in that most of the proverbs listed here are not comparative/contrastive. Instead, they mostly make their point by making affirmative statements. For example, Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Did any speak to you specifically?

Proverbs 16:1 and 9 sort of cover the same topic, but just a little differently: verse 1 says, “We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” While verse 9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

There are quite a few proverbs specifically regarding the king and many on pride and humility, notably Proverbs 18:12: “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.”

I loved Proverbs 16:24: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” If you have ever been the recipient of kind words, you know how true this is. Many times in my life, my whole day has been brightened by a few kind words spoken by a friend.

I found the two verses about bribes somewhat puzzling. The first verse seems to be endorsing bribery, while the second implies it is not a good idea.

Proverbs 17:8 says, “A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper.”

Proverbs 17:23 says, “The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.”

In much of the Bible, context helps us understand the meaning of difficult-to-understand passages. In Proverbs, there is mostly no contextual help. When this doesn’t help, I turn to other translations, such as:

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
A precious stone is beautiful in the eyes of him who owns it, and wherever it turns it is notable.

Note the use of “bribe,” “gift” or “precious stone.” The word “bribe” has a certain connotation we don’t see in “gift” or “precious stone.” I think we also have to consider other parts of the Word. For example, in Exodus 23:8 we are told: "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.”

One of my favorite Proverbs is Proverbs 17:28: “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” Proverbs 18:10 is my life verse: “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”

Tomorrow, it’s Proverbs 19 – 21.