Proverbs 14:18-28

18 Thoughtless people inherit folly, but the cautious are crowned with knowledge.

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

20 The poor are disliked even by their peers, but the rich have many friends.

21 He who despises his fellow sins, but he who shows compassion to the humble is happy.

22 Won't those who plot evil go astray? But grace and truth are for those who plan good.

23 In all work there is profit, but mere talk produces only poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is just that - folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a liar misdirects [judgment].

26 In the fear of ADONAI is powerful security; for his children there will be a place of refuge.

27 The fear of ADONAI is a fountain of life enabling one to avoid deadly traps.

28 A king's glory lies in having many subjects; if the prince's people are few, it is his ruin.

Proverbs 14:18-28 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.