Proverbs 14:15-25

15 The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps.

16 A wise man is cautious and ¹turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless.

17 A quick-tempered * man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated.

18 The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

19 The ²evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The ³poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many.

21 He who ⁴despises his neighbor sins, But ⁵happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

22 Will they not go astray who ⁶devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The ⁷crown of the wise is their riches, But the folly of fools is foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, But he who ⁸utters lies is treacherous.

Proverbs 14:15-25 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.

Cross References

• 1. Job 28:28; Psalms 34:14; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 22:3
• 2. 1 Samuel 2:36; Proverbs 11:29
• 3. Proverbs 19:7
• 4. Proverbs 11:12
• 5. Psalms 41:1; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 28:8
• 6. Psalms 36:4; Proverbs 3:29; Proverbs 12:2; Micah 2:1
• 7. Proverbs 10:22; Proverbs 13:8; Proverbs 21:20
• 8. Proverbs 14:5

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "simple"
• [b] Lit "fears"
• [c] Lit "simple"
• [d] Or "afflicted"
• [e] Lit "word of lips"
• [f] Lit "breathes out"
• [g] Lit "treachery"