The Universal Sovereignty of God
W. E. Light, M.A. Proverbs 16:4 The LORD has made all things for himself: yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. The word "made" is not here" created," but it is used in the more general sense of "do," "work," "perform." The Lord Jehovah hath wrought, performed, all things for Himself. The final end of all Divine proceeding is God's own glory. This hidden and ultimate purpose of all the works of God is revealed in the text. 1. The Lord hath made all things for Himself in creation. And man is part of His creation. 2. The principle of the text applies to the work of redemption. It is of God's sovereign will and pleasure, and for His own eternal glory, that God hath been pleased to choose a Church outer this fallen world, to be glorified in His Son, Jesus Christ. This view of redemption tends to humble the sinner. 3. God hath made all things for Himself in providence. Every event or circumstance in this world's history has been arranged or ordered for the glory of Jehovah. It is impossible that anything shall ever happen which shall not tend directly or indirectly to this great end. Sin is essentially the fault of the creature. God is not the author of evil. The wicked were not created as such. They are, however, appointed unto the day of evil as their fitting punishment. (W. E. Light, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. WEB: Yahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.