Proverbs 14:10-20

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked is destroyed, but the tent of the upright flourishes.

12 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.

14 The perverse get what their ways deserve, and the good, what their deeds deserve.

15 The simple believe everything, but the clever consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.

17 One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly, and the schemer is hated.

18 The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor are disliked even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

Proverbs 14:10-20 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb [ways of death]
• [b]. Cn: Heb [from upon him]
• [c]. Or [inherit]