Proverbs 14:1-8

1 Wisdom is building her house, but the foolish woman is pulling it down with her hands.

2 He who goes on his way in righteousness has before him the fear of the Lord; but he whose ways are twisted gives him no honour.

3 In the mouth of the foolish man is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will keep them safe.

4 Where there are no oxen, their food-place is clean; but much increase comes through the strength of the ox.

5 A true witness does not say what is false, but a false witness is breathing out deceit.

6 The hater of authority, searching for wisdom, does not get it; but knowledge comes readily to the open-minded man.

7 Go away from the foolish man, for you will not see the lips of knowledge.

8 The wisdom of the man of good sense makes his way clear; but the unwise behaviour of the foolish is deceit.

Proverbs 14:1-8 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.