Proverbs 14:16-26

16 The wise man, fearing, keeps himself from evil; but the foolish man goes on in his pride, with no thought of danger.

17 He who is quickly angry will do what is foolish, but the man of good sense will have quiet.

18 Foolish behaviour is the heritage of the simple, but men of good sense are crowned with knowledge.

19 The knees of the evil are bent before the good; and sinners go down in the dust at the doors of the upright.

20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbour, but the man of wealth has numbers of friends.

21 He who has no respect for his neighbour is a sinner, but he who has pity for the poor is happy.

22 Will not the designers of evil come into error? But mercy and good faith are for the designers of good.

23 In all hard work there is profit, but talk only makes a man poor.

24 Their wisdom is a crown to the wise, but their foolish behaviour is round the head of the unwise.

25 A true witness is the saviour of lives; but he who says false things is a cause of deceit.

26 For him in whose heart is the fear of the Lord there is strong hope: and his children will have a safe place.

Proverbs 14:16-26 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.