Proverbs 14:6-16

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, but there is none, but knowledge {comes easily to him who understands}.

7 Leave {the presence of a foolish man}, [for] you will not [come to] know {words of knowledge}.

8 The wisdom of the clever is understanding his ways, but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock [the] guilt offering, but among the upright, it is favorable.

10 The heart knows the bitterness of its soul, but in its joy, it will not share itself with a stranger.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way [that seems] upright {to} a man, but its end [is] the way of death.

13 Even in laughter, a heart may be sad, and the end of joy [may be] grief.

14 From his ways, the perverse of heart will be satisfied, and {from his own}, [so shall] a good man.

15 The simple will believe every word, but the clever will consider his step.

16 The wise is cautious and turns from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is confident.

Proverbs 14:6-16 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 "to one who understands it comes easy"
• [b]. Literally "from the presence [belonging] to a man of foolishness"
• [c]. Literally "lips of knowledge"
• [d]. Hebrew "he mocks"
• [e]. Or "mind"
• [f]. Or "life," or "inner self"
• [g]. Literally "to the face of"
• [h]. Literally "from upon him"