Proverbs 14:21-31

21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,^[a] but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

22 Don't those who plan evil go astray?^[b] But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.^[c]

23 There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk^[d] leads only to poverty.^[e]

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.

25 A truthful witness rescues lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.^[f]

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.^[g]

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.^[h]

28 A large population is a king's splendor, but a shortage of people is a ruler's devastation.

29 A patient person [shows] great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,^[i] but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.^[j]

31 The one who oppresses the poor insults their Maker,^[k] but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.^[l]

Proverbs 14:21-31 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 11:12
• [b]. Pr 6:14-15; 12:26
• [c]. Pr 12:20
• [d]. Lit but word of lips
• [e]. Pr 21:5
• [f]. Pr 6:19; 12:17; 14:5
• [g]. Pr 29:25
• [h]. Pr 13:14; 16:22; 19:23
• [i]. Pr 3:8; 4:22; 16:24
• [j]. Pr 12:4; 27:4; Jms 3:16
• [k]. Pr 17:5; 21:13
• [l]. Pr 3:9; 14:21; 19:17