Proverbs 14:20-30

20 The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth, but he that hath mercy 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 foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A truthful witness delivereth souls, but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence, and His children shall have a place of refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life to depart from the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is the honor of the king, but the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy is the rottenness of the bones.

Proverbs 14:20-30 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.