Proverbs 14

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

2 An honest person has respect for the Lord. But a person whose paths are crooked hates him.

3 Foolish people are punished for what they say. But the things wise people say keep them safe.

4 Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty. But a strong ox brings in a great harvest.

5 An honest witness does not lie. But a dishonest witness pours out lies.

6 Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don't find it. But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.

7 Stay away from a foolish man. You won't find knowledge in what he says.

8 People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live. But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.

9 Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin. But honest people try to do the right thing.

10 Each heart knows its own sadness. And no one else can share its joy.

11 The houses of sinners will be destroyed. But the tents of honest people will stand firm.

12 There is a way that may seem right to a man. But in the end it leads to death.

13 Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting. And your joy can end in sadness.

14 Those who aren't faithful will be paid back for what they've done. And good men will receive rewards for how they've lived.

15 A childish person believes anything. But a wise person thinks about how he lives.

16 A wise person has respect for the LORD and avoids evil. But a foolish person gets mad and is thoughtless.

17 Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things. And a man who is tricky is hated.

18 Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways. But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.

19 Evil people will bow down in front of good people. And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.

20 Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors. But rich people have many friends.

21 Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin. But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.

22 Those who plan evil go down the wrong path. But those who plan good find love and truth.

23 All hard work pays off. But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.

24 The wealth of wise people is their crown. But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.

25 An honest witness saves lives. But a dishonest witness tells lies.

26 Anyone who shows respect for the LORD has a strong tower. It will be a safe place for his children.

27 Respect for the LORD is like a fountain that gives life. It turns you away from the jaws of death.

28 A large population is a king's glory. But a prince without followers is destroyed.

29 Anyone who is patient has great understanding. But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish he is.

30 A peaceful heart gives life to the body. But jealousy rots the bones.

31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker. But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.

32 When trouble comes, sinners are brought down. But godly people have a safe place even when they die.

33 Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right. And even among foolish people she makes herself known.

34 Doing what is right lifts people up. But sin brings shame to any nation.

35 A king is pleased with a wise servant. But a servant who is full of shame invites the king's anger.

Proverbs 14 Commentary

Chapter 14

Verse 1 A woman who has no fear of God, who is wilful and wasteful, and indulges her ease, will as certainly ruin her family, as if she plucked her house down. Verse 2 . Here are grace and sin in their true colours. Those that despise God's precepts and promises, despise God and all his power and mercy. Verse 3 . Pride grows from that root of bitterness which is in the heart. The root must be plucked up, or we cannot conquer this branch. The prudent words of wise men get them out of difficulties. Verse 4 . There can be no advantage without something which, though of little moment, will affright the indolent. Verse 5 . A conscientious witness will not dare to represent anything otherwise than according to his knowledge. Verse 6 . A scorner treats Divine things with contempt. He that feels his ignorance and unworthiness will search the Scriptures in a humble spirit. Verse 7 . We discover a wicked man if there is no savour of piety in his discourse. Verse 8 . We are travellers, whose concern is, not to spy out wonders, but to get to their journey's end; to understand the rules we are to walk by, also the ends we are to walk toward. The bad man cheats himself, and goes on in his mistake. Verse 9 . Foolish and profane men consider sin a mere trifle, to be made light of rather than mourned over. Fools mock at the sin-offering; but those that make light of sin, make light of Christ. Verse 10 . We do not know what stings of conscience, or consuming passions, torment the prosperous sinner. Nor does the world know the peace of mind a serious Christian enjoys, even in poverty and sickness. Verse 11 . Sin ruins many great families; whilst righteousness often raises and strengthens even mean families. Verse 12 . The ways of carelessness, of worldliness, and of sensuality, seem right to those that walk in them; but self-deceivers prove self-destroyers. See the vanity of carnal mirth. Verse 14 . Of all sinners backsliders will have the most terror when they reflect on their own ways. Verse 15 . Eager readiness to believe what others say, has ever proved mischievous. The whole world was thus ruined at first. The man who is spiritually wise, depends on the Saviour alone for acceptance. He is watchful against the enemies of his salvation, by taking heed to God's word. Verse 16 . Holy fear guards against every thing unholy. Verse 17 . An angry man is to be pitied as well as blamed; but the revengeful is more hateful. Verse 18 . Sin is the shame of sinners; but wisdom is the honour of the wise. Verse 19 . Even bad men acknowledge the excellency of God's people. Verse 20 . Friendship in the world is governed by self-interest. It is good to have God our Friend; he will not desert us. Verse 21 . To despise a man for his employment or appearance is a sin. Verse 22 . How wisely those consult their own interest, who not only do good, but devise it! Verse 23 . Labour of the head, or of the hand, will turn to some good account. But if men's religion runs all out in talk and noise, they will come to nothing. Verse 24 . The riches of men of wisdom and piety enlarge their usefulness. Verse 25 . An upright man will venture the ( proverbs 14:26-27 ) Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death. Verse 28 . Let all that wish well to the kingdom of Christ, do what they can, that many may be added to his church. Verse 29 . A mild, patient man is one that learns of Christ, who is Wisdom itself. Unbridled passion is folly made known. Verse 30 . An upright, contented, and benevolent mind, tends to health. Verse 31 . To oppress the poor is to reproach our Creator. Verse 32 . The wicked man has his soul forced from him; he dies in his sins, under the guilt and power of them. But godly men, though they have pain and some dread of death, have the blessed hope, which God, who cannot lie, has given them. Verse 33 . Wisdom possesses the heart, and thus regulates the affections and tempers. Verse 34 . Piety and holiness always promote industry, sobriety, and honesty. Verse 35 . The great King who reigns over heaven and earth, will reward faithful servants who honour his gospel by the proper discharge of the duties of their stations: he despises not the services of the lowest.

Chapter Summary

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.