Proverbs 14:15-35

15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going.

16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is careless.

17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly, but a man of discretion is patient.

18 The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

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

20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? Those who devise good meet loyalty and faithfulness.

23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to want.

24 The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but folly is the garland of fools.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is a betrayer.

26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

30 A tranquil mind gives life to the flesh, but passion makes the bones rot.

31 He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

32 The wicked is overthrown through his evil-doing, but the righteous finds refuge through his integrity.

33 Wisdom abides in the mind of a man of understanding, but it is not known in the heart of fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 14:15-35 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.