Proverbs 14:9-19

9 Fools mock at making restitution,^[a] but there is goodwill among the upright.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider shares in its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will stand.^{[b] [c]}

12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way^[d] to death.^[e]

13 Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.

14 The disloyal will get what their conduct deserves, and a good man, what his [deeds deserve.]^[f]

15 The inexperienced believe anything, but the sensible watch^[g] their steps.^[h]

16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.^[i]

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man who schemes is hated.^[j]

18 The gullible inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before those who are good, the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

Proverbs 14:9-19 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]. Or at guilt offerings
• [b]. Lit flourish
• [c]. Pr 10:25; 11:28; 12:7; Mt 7:24-27
• [d]. Lit ways
• [e]. Pr 5:4; 16:25
• [f]. Pr 1:31; 12:14; 18:20; 28:19
• [g]. Lit the prudent understand
• [h]. Jms 1:5-8
• [i]. Or and falls
• [j]. Pr 12:2; 24:8