Proverbs 14:1-6

1 ¹The wisest of women ²builds her house, but folly with her own hands ³tears it down.

2 Whoever ⁴walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is ⁵devious in his ways despises him.

3 By the mouth of a fool comes ⁶a rod for his back, ^{[a] 7}but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

5 ⁸A faithful witness does not lie, but ⁹a false witness breathes out lies.

6 ¹⁰A scoffer seeks wisdom ¹¹in vain, but ¹²knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Proverbs 14:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 4

As in the preceding chapter we have a proof of the wisdom and understanding which the Lord gave to Solomon, as promised, so in this an account is given of the riches and honour he was possessed of; of him, as king over all Israel, and of his princes, 1Ki 4:1-6; of the providers of food for his household in the several parts of the land, 1Ki 4:7-19; of the largeness and extent of his dominions, and of the peace and prosperity thereof, 1Ki 4:20,21,24,25; of his daily provisions for his household and for his cattle, 1Ki 4:22,23,26-28; and of his superior wisdom and knowledge to all others in all nations, which brought some out of all to hear it, 1Ki 4:29-34.

Cross References

• 1. 14:1 [ch. 9:1; 24:3]
• 2. 14:1 Deut. 25:9; Ruth 4:11
• 3. 14:1 [ch. 11:11]
• 4. 14:2 ch. 19:1; 28:6
• 5. 14:2 ch. 2:15
• 6. 14:3 [Jer. 18:18]
• 7. 14:3 ch. 12:6
• 8. 14:5 [Ex. 23:1]
• 9. 14:5 See ch. 6:19
• 10. 14:6 [ch. 24:7]
• 11. 14:6 [Ps. 25:9; 1 Pet. 5:5]
• 12. 14:6 [ch. 8:9; 15:14; 17:24]

Footnotes

• [a] 14:3 Or 'In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride'