Proverbs 14:20-30

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.

25 He who saves lives [is] a witness of truth, but he who utters lies [is] a betrayer.

26 In the fear of Yahweh, there is confidence of strength, and for his children, there will be refuge.

27 The fear of Yahweh [is] a fountain of life, [in order] to turn from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the glory of the king, but without a population, a prince [is] ruined.

29 [He who is] slow to anger [has] great understanding, but the hasty of spirit exalts folly.

30 A heart of tranquility [is] life [to the] flesh, but causes bones of passion to rot.

Proverbs 14:20-30 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 "word, matter, thing"
• [b]. Or "souls," or "inner selves"
• [c]. Or "breath"
• [d]. Or "mind"
• [e]. Or "he who heals"