Proverbs 14:1-7

1 ¹The wisest of women ²builds her house, but folly with her own hands ³tears it down.

2 Whoever ⁴walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is ⁵devious in his ways despises him.

3 By the mouth of a fool comes ⁶a rod for his back,^{[a] 7}but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

5 ⁸A faithful witness does not lie, but ⁹a false witness breathes out lies.

6 ¹⁰A scoffer seeks wisdom ¹¹in vain, but ¹²knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 14:1-7 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 9:1; Proverbs 24:3]
• 2. Deuteronomy 25:9; Ruth 4:11
• 3. [Proverbs 11:11]
• 4. Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 28:6
• 5. Proverbs 2:15
• 6. [Jeremiah 18:18]
• 7. Proverbs 12:6
• 8. [Exodus 23:1]
• 9. See Proverbs 6:19
• 10. [Proverbs 24:7]
• 11. [Psalms 25:9; 1 Peter 5:5]
• 12. [Proverbs 8:9; Proverbs 15:14; Proverbs 17:24]

Footnotes

• [a]. Or In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride