Proverbs 14 Commentary: Wisdom for Life and Nation
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 14, a rich tapestry of King Solomon's insightful sayings, delves into the contrasting paths of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. This chapter offers practical guidance on navigating life's complexities, emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord, acting justly, and cultivating inner contentment. It also touches upon the impact of righteousness on national prosperity. Let's explore these timeless truths together.
The Consequences of Wisdom and Folly
The opening verses highlight the stark contrast between wisdom and foolishness, echoing a recurring theme in Proverbs (Proverbs 10:8–9; 11:8; 12:13; 13:6). Proverbs 14:1 speaks of a wise woman building her house, while a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. This powerful image underscores the constructive nature of wisdom and the destructive nature of folly. Foolishness, defined as a rejection of God's truth and instruction (Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 1:7), leads to ruin and leaves one vulnerable to deception. As Proverbs 14:2 puts it, "Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways." Our attitude towards God fundamentally shapes the way we live.
The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked
A central segment of Proverbs 14 contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. While sin's deceptive allure may initially appear appealing, its ultimate consequence is tragedy. Conversely, those who pursue godliness are less likely to suffer negative earthly consequences and are blessed with eternal rescue. This theme is captured in Proverbs 14:12, a sobering reminder: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." This verse is a call to seek God's perspective, recognizing that human wisdom, though seemingly sound, can lead us astray. Relying solely on human logic to chart the course of life can lead one down a path to destruction.
The principle of sowing and reaping is also evident: what a person chooses—selfishness or godliness—will be repaid to them (Proverbs 14:14).
Practical Wisdom for Daily Living
The final section of Proverbs 14 offers practical wisdom on a variety of topics, including self-control, discernment, justice, and contentment. Proverbs 14:15 warns against gullibility, urging us to be discerning and not accept everything at face value: "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." We must be careful not to be easily deceived by what we see or don't see.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of a contented heart, as Proverbs 14:30 states, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Cultivating inner peace and avoiding envy are essential for physical and emotional well-being.
Righteousness and National Prosperity
Proverbs 14 concludes with a reflection on the relationship between righteousness and national prosperity. Proverbs 14:34 declares, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This timeless principle highlights the crucial role of morality and justice in the well-being of a society. When biblical principles permeate a society, their restraining influence is felt as an expression of God's grace available to all.
We are called to pray for our leaders, that they may be patient (Proverbs 14:29), content (Proverbs 14:30), kind to the poor (Proverbs 14:31), righteous (Proverbs 14:32), and wise (Proverbs 14:33). We should also pray that they surround themselves with wise administrators (Proverbs 14:35), creating an environment where justice and righteousness flourish.
The Fear of the Lord: A Source of Refuge
Proverbs 14:26-27 emphasizes the significance of fearing the Lord. "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge" (Proverbs 14:26). Those who take God seriously and live in reverence of Him become sources of refuge. They can see things from God's point of view and turn people away from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27). They can discern Satan’s traps and warn the inexperienced, “Don’t step there!”
Joseph: An Example of Godly Integrity
The story of Joseph serves as a powerful illustration of the principles outlined in Proverbs 14. Despite facing injustice and hardship, Joseph maintained his integrity, and "the Lord was with Joseph" (Genesis 37:26-28; 39:6-21). In the end, he was elevated to prominence, and his wicked brothers bowed before him (Genesis 42:6), fulfilling his earlier dreams (Genesis 37:5-11). Joseph's life exemplifies the truth that those who follow God are ultimately crowned (Proverbs 14:18), and the evil bow before those who are good (Proverbs 14:19).
Proverbs 14 offers a wealth of wisdom for navigating life's challenges and pursuing a path of righteousness. By fearing the Lord, acting justly, cultivating inner contentment, and applying discernment, we can experience the blessings of wisdom and contribute to the well-being of our communities and nations.
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 14, a rich tapestry of King Solomon's insightful sayings, delves into the contrasting paths of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. This chapter offers practical guidance on navigating life's complexities, emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord, acting justly, and cultivating inner contentment. It also touches upon the impact of righteousness on national prosperity. Let's explore these timeless truths together.
The Consequences of Wisdom and Folly
The opening verses highlight the stark contrast between wisdom and foolishness, echoing a recurring theme in Proverbs (Proverbs 10:8–9; 11:8; 12:13; 13:6). Proverbs 14:1 speaks of a wise woman building her house, while a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. This powerful image underscores the constructive nature of wisdom and the destructive nature of folly. Foolishness, defined as a rejection of God's truth and instruction (Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 1:7), leads to ruin and leaves one vulnerable to deception. As Proverbs 14:2 puts it, "Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways." Our attitude towards God fundamentally shapes the way we live.
The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked
A central segment of Proverbs 14 contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. While sin's deceptive allure may initially appear appealing, its ultimate consequence is tragedy. Conversely, those who pursue godliness are less likely to suffer negative earthly consequences and are blessed with eternal rescue. This theme is captured in Proverbs 14:12, a sobering reminder: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." This verse is a call to seek God's perspective, recognizing that human wisdom, though seemingly sound, can lead us astray. Relying solely on human logic to chart the course of life can lead one down a path to destruction.
The principle of sowing and reaping is also evident: what a person chooses—selfishness or godliness—will be repaid to them (Proverbs 14:14).
Practical Wisdom for Daily Living
The final section of Proverbs 14 offers practical wisdom on a variety of topics, including self-control, discernment, justice, and contentment. Proverbs 14:15 warns against gullibility, urging us to be discerning and not accept everything at face value: "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." We must be careful not to be easily deceived by what we see or don't see.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of a contented heart, as Proverbs 14:30 states, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Cultivating inner peace and avoiding envy are essential for physical and emotional well-being.
Righteousness and National Prosperity
Proverbs 14 concludes with a reflection on the relationship between righteousness and national prosperity. Proverbs 14:34 declares, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This timeless principle highlights the crucial role of morality and justice in the well-being of a society. When biblical principles permeate a society, their restraining influence is felt as an expression of God's grace available to all.
We are called to pray for our leaders, that they may be patient (Proverbs 14:29), content (Proverbs 14:30), kind to the poor (Proverbs 14:31), righteous (Proverbs 14:32), and wise (Proverbs 14:33). We should also pray that they surround themselves with wise administrators (Proverbs 14:35), creating an environment where justice and righteousness flourish.
The Fear of the Lord: A Source of Refuge
Proverbs 14:26-27 emphasizes the significance of fearing the Lord. "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge" (Proverbs 14:26). Those who take God seriously and live in reverence of Him become sources of refuge. They can see things from God's point of view and turn people away from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27). They can discern Satan’s traps and warn the inexperienced, “Don’t step there!”
Joseph: An Example of Godly Integrity
The story of Joseph serves as a powerful illustration of the principles outlined in Proverbs 14. Despite facing injustice and hardship, Joseph maintained his integrity, and "the Lord was with Joseph" (Genesis 37:26-28; 39:6-21). In the end, he was elevated to prominence, and his wicked brothers bowed before him (Genesis 42:6), fulfilling his earlier dreams (Genesis 37:5-11). Joseph's life exemplifies the truth that those who follow God are ultimately crowned (Proverbs 14:18), and the evil bow before those who are good (Proverbs 14:19).
Proverbs 14 offers a wealth of wisdom for navigating life's challenges and pursuing a path of righteousness. By fearing the Lord, acting justly, cultivating inner contentment, and applying discernment, we can experience the blessings of wisdom and contribute to the well-being of our communities and nations.