Proverbs 14:30-35

30 A ¹tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is ²rottenness to the bones.

31 He ³who oppresses the poor taunts ⁴his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked is ⁵thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the ⁶righteous has a refuge when he dies.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the hearts of fools it is made known.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 The king's favor is toward a ⁷servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 14:30-35 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.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 15:13
• 2. Proverbs 12:4; Habakkuk 3:16
• 3. Proverbs 17:5; Matthew 25:40; 1 John 3:17
• 4. Job 31:15; Proverbs 22:2
• 5. Proverbs 6:15; Proverbs 24:16
• 6. Genesis 49:18; Psalms 16:11; Psalms 17:15; Psalms 37:37; Psalms 73:24; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Timothy 4:18
• 7. Matthew 24:45, 47; Matthew 25:21, 23

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "calamity"
• [b]. Lit "inward part"