Proverbs 14:12-32

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way^[a] to death.^[b]

13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.

14 The disloyal will get what their conduct deserves, and a good man, what his [deeds deserve.]^[c]

15 The inexperienced believe anything, but the sensible watch^[d] their steps.^[e]

16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.^[f]

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man who schemes is hated.^[g]

18 The gullible inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before those who are good, the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

20 A poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich.^[h]

21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,^[i] but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

22 Don't those who plan evil go astray?^[j] But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.^[k]

23 There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk^[l] leads only to poverty.^[m]

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.

25 A truthful witness rescues lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.^[n]

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.^[o]

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.^[p]

28 A large population is a king's splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler's devastation.

29 A patient person [shows] great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,^[q] but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.^[r]

31 The one who oppresses the poor insults their Maker,^[s] but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.^[t]

32 The wicked are thrown down by their own sin, but the righteous have a refuge when they die.^[u]

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Proverbs 14:12-32 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