Proverbs14

Proverbs 14 extensively contrasts wisdom with folly, illustrating how each impacts one's conduct, speech, and ultimate destiny. It emphasizes that fearing the Lord is a fountain of life and a source of strong confidence, leading to uprightness and prosperity. The chapter also highlights the importance of truthfulness, compassion for the poor, and the destructive nature of sin and perverse ways.
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The Wise and Foolish Woman

1
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. ​
2
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. ​
3
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. ​
10
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. ​
11
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

The Danger of Self-Deception

12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. ​
13
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. ​
14
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. ​

The Simple and the Prudent

15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. ​
16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. ​
17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Wealth, Poverty, and Compassion

20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. ​
21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. ​
22
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. ​
25
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

The Fear of the Lord: True Security

26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. ​
27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Principles of Governance

28
In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. ​
29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. ​
30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. ​
31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. ​
32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. ​
35
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Study Notes for Proverbs 14

Verse 1

The 'house' refers both to the physical dwelling and the entire family unit or lineage. A wise woman ensures stability and longevity for her family, while a foolish woman, through carelessness or moral failure, undermines its foundation.

Verse 2

Reverent obedience, or the 'fear of the LORD,' is the characteristic of those who walk in integrity. Conversely, moral perversity demonstrates contempt for God and His standards.

Verse 9

Fools treat sin (or the guilt offering related to sin) lightly, showing a profound lack of moral seriousness. The righteous, however, experience God's favor and goodwill.

Verse 10

This proverb highlights the profound individuality of emotional life. While community is important, the deepest experiences of sorrow and joy remain fundamentally private and inaccessible to outsiders.

Verse 12

This is one of the most sobering warnings in Proverbs, emphasizing that sincerity is not a guarantee of correctness. A path that appears logical or justified to human reason may still violate God's ultimate moral and spiritual standards.

Verse 13

A psychological insight into the superficiality of worldly enjoyment. Mirth and revelry can often mask deep-seated spiritual or emotional emptiness, which eventually leads to sorrow.

Verse 14

The 'backslider in heart' (the apostate or morally wayward person) reaps the negative consequences of his own choices. A truly 'good man' finds sustainable satisfaction rooted in his own righteous character.

Verse 15

The 'simple' (*pethi*) is the naive person who is gullible and lacks discretion, easily believing any claim. The prudent individual carefully examines circumstances and consequences before committing to a path.

Verse 16

The wise person is characterized by caution and reverence (fear), prompting them to avoid evil. The fool, however, is reckless, acting with misplaced confidence and rage.

Verse 20

This is a harsh observation on human social dynamics, noting that poverty often leads to isolation and abandonment, even by close neighbors, while wealth attracts superficial relationships.

Verse 21

Despising the poor is treated as a sin against the neighbor and, implicitly, against the Creator. True blessedness (*ashrei*) is found in active engagement and mercy toward the needy.

Verse 24

The 'riches' of the wise refers to the reputation, honor, and influence that their knowledge generates. The fool’s only lasting inheritance is his own folly.

Verse 26

The fear of the LORD provides strong confidence because it grounds life in God's reliable character and promises, offering a dependable refuge for the righteous and their children.

Verse 28

This proverb speaks to political legitimacy. A king's honor is tied directly to the size and prosperity of his populace, indicating that successful governance leads to national strength and loyalty.

Verse 29

Patience and self-control (slow to wrath) are equated with great understanding (*tebuna*). Quick temper demonstrates a lack of wisdom and results in reckless behavior.

Verse 30

This verse highlights the psychosomatic link between spiritual state and physical health. A 'sound heart' (calm and peaceful disposition) promotes life, while destructive emotions like envy ('rottenness of the bones') cause deterioration.

Verse 31

Oppressing the poor is a theological sin because it reproaches God, who is the Creator of all people. Honoring God is demonstrated through active mercy toward the marginalized.

Verse 34

A cardinal principle of wisdom literature: national flourishing is founded on moral and ethical integrity (righteousness). Sin, defined as moral failure, brings shame and decline to any community or nation.

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