Proverbs 14:4-24

4 Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

5 An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

7 Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

8 The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

9 Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.

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

12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14 Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17 Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23 Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

Proverbs 14:4-24 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]. Hebrew The wise fear.
• [b]. Or inherit foolishness.