Proverbs 14:11-21

11 The 1house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There 2is a way which seems right to a man, But its 3end is the way of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the 4end of joy may be grief.
14 The backslider in heart will have his 5fill of his own ways, But a good man will 6be satisfied with his.
15 The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps.
16 A wise man is cautious and 7turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless.
17 A quick-tempered * man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated.
18 The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
19 The 8evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The 9poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many.
21 He who 10despises his neighbor sins, But 11happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

Proverbs 14:11-21 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 11

  • 1. Job 8:15
  • 2. Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 16:25
  • 3. Romans 6:21
  • 4. Ecclesiastes 2:1, 2
  • 5. Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 12:21
  • 6. Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 18:20
  • 7. Job 28:28; Psalms 34:14; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 22:3
  • 8. 1 Samuel 2:36; Proverbs 11:29
  • 9. Proverbs 19:7
  • 10. Proverbs 11:12
  • 11. Psalms 41:1; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 28:8

Footnotes 5

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