Proverbs 14:1-7

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1 The ¹wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

2 He who ²walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is ³devious in his ways despises Him.

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But ⁴the lips of the wise will protect them.

4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

5 A ⁵trustworthy witness will not lie, But a ⁶false witness ⁷utters lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

7 Leave the ⁸presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

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Proverbs 14:1-7 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Cross References 8

1. Ruth 4:11; Proverbs 31:10-27
2. Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 28:6
3. Proverbs 2:15
4. Proverbs 12:6
5. Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14
6. Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 19:16; Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 12:17
7. Proverbs 19:5
8. Proverbs 23:9

Footnotes 4

[a]. Lit "of pride"
[b]. Lit "breathes out"
[c]. Lit "know"
[d]. Lit "lips"