Proverbs 14:18-28

18 The gullible inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before those who are good, the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

20 A poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich.^[a]

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

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

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

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.^[g]

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

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

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

Proverbs 14:18-28 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 19:4,6
• [b] Pr 11:12
• [c] Pr 6:14-15; 12:26
• [d] Pr 12:20
• [e] Lit but word of lips
• [f] Pr 21:5
• [g] Pr 6:19; 12:17; 14:5
• [h] Pr 29:25
• [i] Pr 13:14; 16:22; 19:23