Proverbs — Chapter 16

Hominis est animam praeparare, et Domini gubernare linguam

It is man's to prepare the soul, and the Lord's to govern the tongue. Lapide: A profound proverb on the cooperation between human freedom and divine grace. \"Animam praeparare\" = man must prepare his soul — through prayer, recollection, and moral effort — for what he is about to say or do. \"Domini gubernare linguam\" = but the ultimate governance of speech, ensuring it is wise, profitable, and timely, belongs to God. Lapide: We cannot speak well without divine assistance; but God does not speak for us without our interior preparation. This captures the Catholic doctrine of grace and free will: human preparation is necessary but insufficient; divine grace is necessary and, with human cooperation, sufficient.

Cor hominis disponit viam suam: sed Domini est dirigere gressus ejus

A man's heart devises his way, but it is the Lord's to direct his steps. Lapide: The relationship between human planning and divine providence. Man's heart devises plans — human intelligence, prudence, and free will formulate intentions and strategies. But the actual steps taken — the events, circumstances, outcomes — are governed by God's providence. Lapide: This does not diminish human responsibility (we must plan and strive diligently) but reminds us that the final issue of all events belongs to God. He cites the classical example of Joseph: his brothers devised evil against him, but God directed his steps to Egypt and to glory.

Contritionem praecedit superbia, et ante ruinam exaltatur spiritus

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Lapide: Perhaps the most famous proverb — the universal law of divine retribution against pride. \"Contritio praecedit superbia\" = pride is followed by destruction as surely as effect follows cause. \"Ante ruinam exaltatur spiritus\" = the haughty spirit is exalted just before the fall — because God allows the proud to be lifted up precisely so that the fall may be greater and more manifest. Lapide gives many historical examples: Lucifer, Adam, Pharaoh, Nabuchodonosor, Haman, Herod.

Melior est patiens viro forti, et qui dominatur animo suo, expugnatore urbium

Better is a patient man than a strong one, and he who rules his own spirit than he who captures cities. Lapide: Self-mastery (dominium sui) is greater than military conquest. \"Viro forti\" = the warrior who captures cities by physical strength. \"Patiens\" = the patient man who conquers his own impatience, anger, and passion. Lapide: The Stoics praised this virtue; the Gospel demands it. \"He who is slow to anger is mightier than a warrior\" — the interior battle against the passions is fiercer and more difficult than any external war. The emperor who conquers nations but is conquered by his own anger or lust has gained less than the humble man who conquers his single vice.