Proverbs 14:1-10

1 Every wise woman builds her house,^[a] but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.^[b]

2 Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.^[c]

3 The proud speech of a fool [brings] a rod [of discipline],^[d] but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding-trough is empty,^[e] but an abundant harvest [comes] through the strength of an ox.

5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness utters lies.^[f]

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn't find it, but knowledge [comes] easily to the perceptive.

7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.^[g]

8 The sensible man's wisdom is to consider his way, but the stupidity of fools deceives [them].

9 Fools mock at making restitution,^[h] but there is goodwill among the upright.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in 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]. Pr 9:1; 24:3
• [b]. Pr 11:11; 29:4
• [c]. Pr 3:32
• [d]. Or In the mouth of a fool is a rod for his back, if text is emended
• [e]. Or clean
• [f]. Pr 6:19; 12:17; 14:25
• [g]. Pr 20:15
• [h]. Or at guilt offerings