Proverbs 14:14-24

14 From his ways, the perverse of heart will be satisfied, and {from his own}, [so shall] a good man.

15 The simple will believe every word, but the clever will consider his step.

16 The wise is cautious and turns from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is confident.

17 He who is short of {temper} will act foolishly, and the man who schemes will be hated.

18 The simple are adorned [with] folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.

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

20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the lovers of the rich are many.

21 He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but he who has mercy on the poor blesses him.

22 Have they not erred, those who plan evil? But loyalty and faithfulness [belong to] those who plan good.

23 In all toil, there is profit, but the {talk} of lips [leads] only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise [is] their wealth; the folly of fools is folly.

Proverbs 14:14-24 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]. Literally "from upon him"
• [b]. Literally "nostril"
• [c]. Literally "word, matter, thing"