Proverbs 14:1-11

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.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will stand.^{[i] [j]}

Proverbs 14:1-11 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
• [i]. Lit flourish
• [j]. Pr 10:25; 11:28; 12:7; Mt 7:24-27