Proverbs 14:12-22

12 ¹There is a way that seems right to a man, but ²its end is the way to death.^[a]

13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and ³the end of joy may be ⁴grief.

14 The backslider in heart will be ⁵filled with the fruit of his ways, and ⁶a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

15 ⁷The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

16 ⁸One who is wise is cautious^[b] and ⁹turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

17 A man of ¹⁰quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 ¹¹The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 ¹²The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, ¹³but the rich has many friends.

21 Whoever ¹⁴despises his neighbor is a sinner, but ¹⁵blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

22 Do they not go astray who ¹⁶devise evil? Those who devise good meet^[c]¹⁷steadfast love and faithfulness.

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Proverbs 14:12-22 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible