Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 16:1

1 THe preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the LORD .

Men can neither think nor speak wisely and well of themselves, or without divine assistance. Or, as many others, both ancient and modern Interpreters render the verse, The preparations, or dispositions, or orderings of the heart are in or from a man, (i. e. a man may consider and contrive in his own thoughts what he wills or designs to speak. Which is spoken by way of concession, yet not excluding mans dependance upon God therein, which is evident both from many plain Texts of Scripture, and from undeniable Reason.) but the answer or speech (as this word is oft used) of the tongue is from the Lord. Men cannot express their own thoughts without Gods leave and help, and their tongues are oft over-ruled by God to speak what was besides and above their own thoughts, as he did Balaam, Numb. 23. and Cajaphas, Ioh. 11. 49, 50, 51.

Marginal references: Ver. 9. & Ch. 19. 2[illegible: 1+ letters] & 20. 24. Jer. 10. 23.; Or, dis[illegible: 1+ letters] ▪