Proverbs 14:22-32

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.

31 He who oppresses the poor insults him who made him, but he who has mercy on the poor honors him.

32 By his evildoing, the wicked will be overthrown, and the righteous will find refuge in his death.

Proverbs 14:22-32 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"