Proverbs 14:16-26

16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.

17 He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

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

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbor; But the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth [shall be to] them that devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches; [But] the folly of fools is [only] folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies [causeth] deceit.

26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 14:16-26 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.