Proverbs 16:1-33

16:3 | Prayer is a mighty force when guidence is needed for the next step. Asking the Lord to direct one’s paths is better than having to ask Him to correct one’s mistakes (3:6; Ps. 37:5). No one however, should expect God’s appoval of plans on which He has not been consulted.

16:9 | People can and should make plans, but it is essential to remain mindful that the Lord directs (or establishes) how they will go (steps)(19:21; Ps. 37:23).

16:18 | The Bible consistently and clearly denounces pride, which involves placing one’s own reasoning powers above the revelation of God and depending on one’s finite mind to determine infinite truths. Pride was the original sin, and it has its place at the top of God’s hate list (6:16-17).

16:22 | Understanding (“insight”) is the ability to evaluate a situation and respond to it appropriately. This is a source of life for the wise, while folly is a source of discipline for a fool. A person’s wisdom, or lack of it, determines his or her prospects in life.

16:25-30 | These verses refer to various kinds of troublemakers - all of whom should be avoided because they love to dig up evil and entrap or trouble others.

16:32 | The ability to restrain anger is developed as a person yeilds to the Lord’s control and the Holy Spirit’s leading. Anger is like an unbridled horse. Unless we tame it, we are at its mercy.