Proverbs 14:3-13

3 In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride, but the lips of the wise preserve them.

4 {When there are no} oxen the manger is empty, but an abundance of crops [comes] by the strength of an ox.

5 A faithful witness does not lie, but he who breathes out falsehood is a witness of deceit.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, but there is none, but knowledge {comes easily to him who understands}.

7 Leave {the presence of a foolish man}, [for] you will not [come to] know {words of knowledge}.

8 The wisdom of the clever is understanding his ways, but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock [the] guilt offering, but among the upright, it is favorable.

10 The heart knows the bitterness of its soul, but in its joy, it will not share itself with a stranger.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way [that seems] upright {to} a man, but its end [is] the way of death.

13 Even in laughter, a heart may be sad, and the end of joy [may be] grief.

Proverbs 14:3-13 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]. Literally "In there is no"
• [b]. Hebrew "bull"
• [c]. Literally "to one who understands it comes easy"
• [d]. Literally "from the presence [belonging] to a man of foolishness"
• [e]. Literally "lips of knowledge"
• [f]. Hebrew "he mocks"
• [g]. Or "mind"
• [h]. Or "life," or "inner self"
• [i]. Literally "to the face of"