The Skeptics Annotated Bible (494 page)

16
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

(16.4) “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” God made bad people for the pleasure of punishing them.
311 Does God want some to go to hell?

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

(16.7)
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
312 If God likes you, will everyone else?

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

(16.10-15) The divine right of kings

10
A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

(16.10)
“A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.”

11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for
the throne is established by righteousness.

(16.12) “The throne is established by righteousness.”

13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings
; and they love him that speaketh right.

(16.13)
“Righteous lips are the delight of kings.”

14
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death
: but a wise man will pacify it.

(16.14)
“The wrath of a king is as messengers of death.”

15
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

(16.15)
“In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.”

16
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

(16.16)
“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
293 Is wisdom a good thing?

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

(16.18-32) Pride, wisdom, and understanding.

18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

(16.18)
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

(16.19)
“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.