Proverbs Chapter 14

Proverbs Chapter 14 (ESV)

1. The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.
2. Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
3. By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4. Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
5. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
6. A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
7. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
8. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9. Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
10. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
11. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
13. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
14. The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
15. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
16. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.
17. A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.
18. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19. The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20. The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
21. Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
22. Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.
23. In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
24. The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.
25. A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
26. In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
27. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
28. In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
29. Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
30. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
31. Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
32. The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
33. Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.
34. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35. A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

1. "The wisdom in Proverbs 14 portrays practical godliness, reminding us that the fear of the Lord is foundational to a life of purpose and peace."
   – Charles Spurgeon, a 19th-century preacher and theologian, often called the "Prince of Preachers." Spurgeon's work emphasized Christ-centered interpretation and devotion, particularly in his commentary on Proverbs during his sermons (1873).
2. "The contrasts in Proverbs teach us that wisdom preserves life, and folly leads to destruction. These are truths that transcend time, guiding the believer's daily walk."
   – John Calvin, a 16th-century reformer and theologian, known for his work Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin saw Proverbs as central to practical Christian ethics and preached these truths during his Genevan ministry (1550s).
3. "Every verse of Proverbs is like a small jewel of divine truth, designed to refine our character and direct us toward holiness."
   – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a 20th-century theologian and martyr known for his resistance to Nazi ideology and his focus on the cost of discipleship. He reflected on Proverbs during his seminary teachings in Germany (1930s).

Historical Setting and Author Background

The Book of Proverbs is attributed primarily to King Solomon, known for his exceptional wisdom, which was a divine gift (1 Kings 3:12). Solomon reigned in Israel during its united monarchy (circa 970–931 BCE), a time of peace and prosperity, which allowed him to focus on the arts, education, and writing. Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, aiming to teach principles of moral living through concise, poetic sayings. The primary audience included Israelite leaders, youths, and those seeking instruction in wisdom, with an overarching theme of reverence for God as the foundation of all understanding.

1. Wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokhmah) – Pronounced khok-maw, it signifies practical and moral skill in living, rooted in the fear of the Lord.
2. Folly (אִוֶּלֶת, iwwelet) – Pronounced ee-ve-let, it connotes foolishness or moral deficiency, often contrasted with wisdom.
3. Fear of the Lord (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, yirat Yahweh) – Pronounced yeer-at yah-weh, it means reverential awe and obedience to God.
4. Righteousness (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) – Pronounced tseh-dah-kah, it refers to moral uprightness and justice, emphasizing God's standards.

• Fear (יִרְאָה, yirah) – In Hebrew, this term represents awe-filled respect for God. In Greek translations, it is rendered as φόβος (phobos), which also includes reverence alongside fear.
• Fool (כְּסִיל, kesil) – A person lacking moral direction; in Greek, it aligns with μωρός (moros), meaning morally foolish or dull.
• Life (חַיִּים, chayyim) – In Hebrew, it represents vitality or sustenance, often connected to God's blessings.

• Major Themes:
  • Wisdom vs. Folly: Wisdom builds and preserves, while folly destroys (v.1).
  • Moral Accountability: Actions reflect one's heart and lead to either flourishing or destruction (v.11-12).
  • The Fear of the Lord: Reverence for God is the cornerstone of righteous living (v.26-27).
• Minor Themes:
  • Control of Speech: Words have the power to preserve or destroy (v.3, v.25).
  • Generosity and Justice: Caring for the poor honors God (v.21, v.31).
  • Anger and Patience: Slow temper reflects wisdom (v.29).

Proverbs 14:1 reminds modern Christians of the impact of their choices, particularly in building family and community. A mother or father can strengthen their household through wisdom—prioritizing faith and moral decisions—or tear it down through neglect or folly. For example, a man leading his family in prayer and integrity provides a model for his children, while anger or selfishness risks spiritual and relational harm.

Old Testament Connections:

• Proverbs 14:12 ("There is a way that seems right...") parallels Jeremiah 17:9, which warns of the deceitfulness of the heart.
• Proverbs 14:26-27 ("The fear of the Lord...") echoes Psalm 111:10, which declares that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

New Testament Connections:

• Proverbs 14:1 ("The wisest of women builds her house...") reflects Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus speaks of building one's life on a firm foundation.
• Proverbs 14:12 aligns with John 14:6, where Jesus identifies Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, warning against paths that lead to destruction.

Proverbs 14 contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly, urging reverence for God as the basis for life. Its timeless truths guide believers to make decisions that honor God, protect relationships, and promote justice. Through reflection and application, this chapter reminds us to choose paths aligned with God's will.

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1. How does your speech reflect wisdom or folly in your daily life?
   Application: Proverbs 14:3 encourages reflection on the power of words. Consider praying for discernment before speaking in challenging situations.
2. Are your daily decisions rooted in the fear of the Lord?
   Application: Proverbs 14:26-27 urges us to find confidence and life in God. Evaluate whether your choices reflect dependence on God or self-reliance.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word, which provides wisdom and guidance. Help us as men to fear You, lead with integrity, and build our households on the foundation of Your truth. Strengthen us in patience, generosity, and reverence for You, so that our actions honor Your name and bless others. May we walk in uprightness, turning away from folly, and grow in Your wisdom every day. Amen.