Proverbs 14:17-27

17 Short-tempered people make stupid mistakes, and schemers are hated.

18 Stupidity is the lot of the naive, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil people will bow down before the good; wicked people are at the gates of the righteous.

20 Even their neighbors hate the poor, but many love the wealthy.

21 Those who despise their neighbors are sinners, but happy are those who are kind to the needy.

22 Don't those who plan evil go astray? Those who plan good receive loyalty and faithfulness.

23 There is profit in hard work, but mere talk leads to poverty.

24 Wealth is the crown of the wise, and the folly of fools is folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceiver proclaims lies.

26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence and refuge for one's children.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning people away from deathtraps.

Proverbs 14:17-27 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.