Proverbs 14:23-35

23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.^[a]

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

Proverbs 14:23-35 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.

Cross References

• 1. ver 8
• 2. S Proverbs 12:17; ver 5
• 3. Proverbs 18:10; Proverbs 19:23; Isaiah 33:6
• 4. Psalms 9:9
• 5. S Proverbs 10:11
• 6. Psalms 18:5; Proverbs 13:14
• 7. S 2 Samuel 19:7
• 8. S 2 Kings 5:12; Proverbs 17:27
• 9. S ver 17; Ecclesiastes 7:8-9; James 1:19
• 10. Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 12:4
• 11. Proverbs 17:5
• 12. S Deuteronomy 24:14; S Job 20:19; S Matthew 10:42
• 13. S Psalms 34:21; S Proverbs 6:15
• 14. S Job 13:15; 2 Timothy 4:18
• 15. Proverbs 2:6-10
• 16. Proverbs 11:11
• 17. S Esther 8:2; Matthew 24:45-51; Matthew 25:14-30

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac "discerning / but in the heart of fools she is not known"