Proverbs 16:1-9

The Lord’s Sovereignty
v.1 God provides. This proverbs teaches that while the plans of the heart belong to man, God provides the ability to articulate and accomplish the plan. We make plans, but God determines the future. Be careful to obtain God's concurrence for any plans you make. See also v.3.
v.2 Motives. We cannot evaluate ourselves fully because we are easily deceived; but God knows (weighs) the motives in our heart (or spirit). Spend some time reflecting on your motives.
v.3 Work/plans. Our plans will succeed when we commit them to the Lord. This is a source of great comfort when our plans are aligned with God's.
v.4 Sovereignty. God has made everything for his sovereign purposes. The wicked will not escape their day of judgment (he made them for that purpose). For every act there is a just retribution (Ross, 146). See Rom 8:28.
v.5 The arrogant. "Humble yourselves before the Lord..." (Jas 4:10a). But the arrogant will must assuredly not go unpunished. This may be an application of the principle given in v.4.
v.6 Atonement. How do we atone for sin? By love and faithfulness (through Jesus' sacrifice) God remembers our sin no more. It is as though we did not sin. The second verset is in parallel and indicates our complete freedom from sin (through the fear of the Lord).
v.7 Peace. How can we be at peace with even our enemies? By following a path that is pleasing to the Lord. This is part of God's plans for the faithful.
v.8 Unjust wealth. It is much better to have a little with righteousness than to have great wealth that was obtained unjustly. In other words righteousness is more important than material wealth. We want our treasures in heaven (Mt 6:19-21).
v.9 Sovereignty. This verse, repeating the theme of v.1, indicates the sovereignty of the Lord over our every day life. We make plans in our heart, but the Lord establishes them.

Read Proverbs 16:1-9