Proverbs 14:24-34

24 Their wisdom is a crown to the wise, but their foolish behaviour is round the head of the unwise.

25 A true witness is the saviour of lives; but he who says false things is a cause of deceit.

26 For him in whose heart is the fear of the Lord there is strong hope: and his children will have a safe place.

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, by which one may be turned from the nets of death.

28 A king's glory is in the number of his people: and for need of people a ruler may come to destruction.

29 He who is slow to be angry has great good sense; but he whose spirit is over-quick gives support to what is foolish.

30 A quiet mind is the life of the body, but envy is a disease in the bones.

31 He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.

32 The sinner is overturned in his evil-doing, but the upright man has hope in his righteousness.

33 Wisdom has her resting-place in the mind of the wise, but she is not seen among the foolish.

34 By righteousness a nation is lifted up, but sin is a cause of shame to the peoples.

Proverbs 14:24-34 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.