Proverbs 14:1-10

1 A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.

2 Those who walk with integrity fear the LORD, but those who take a crooked path despise him.

3 Pride sprouts in the mouth of a fool, but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 When there are no oxen, the stall is clean, but when there is a strong bull, there is abundant produce.

5 A truthful witness doesn't lie, but a false witness spews lies.

6 A mocker searches for wisdom and gets none, but knowledge comes quickly to the intelligent.

7 Stay away from fools, for you won't learn wise speech there.

8 By their wisdom the prudent understand their way, but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

9 Fools mock a compensation offering, but favor is with those who do right.

10 The heart knows its own distress; another person can't share its joy.

Proverbs 14:1-10 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] Heb uncertain