Proverbs 14

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overview of Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14 is a chapter that encapsulates various themes of wisdom, morality, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It offers practical advice and insights into human behavior, relationships, and the consequences of one’s actions. The chapter is structured with a series of proverbs that convey deep truths about life and the importance of living wisely.

Thematic Elements

• Wisdom vs. Foolishness: The chapter consistently contrasts the wise and the foolish, emphasizing the benefits of wisdom and the pitfalls of folly.
• Righteousness vs. Wickedness: There is a clear distinction made between the paths of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the outcomes of each.
• The Importance of Speech: The chapter underscores the power of words and the impact they have on relationships and one’s reputation.
• Consequences of Actions: Many verses illustrate the idea that actions have consequences, whether they lead to life or death.

Key Verses and Analysis

1. Verse 1: “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

   This verse emphasizes the role of wisdom in creating a stable and nurturing environment. It suggests that a wise person actively contributes to the well-being of their family, while foolish actions can lead to destruction.

2. Verse 4: “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.”

   This proverb illustrates the idea that while hard work and effort may lead to messiness or challenges, they are ultimately necessary for achieving fruitful results. It encourages embracing the labor that leads to prosperity.

3. Verse 12: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.”

   This verse serves as a caution against self-deception and the importance of seeking true wisdom. It warns that not all paths that seem good are beneficial, urging discernment in decision-making.

4. Verse 15: “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

   This highlights the importance of critical thinking and discernment. The prudent person evaluates situations carefully, while the naive may fall prey to deception.

5. Verse 29: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

   This verse underscores the value of patience and self-control. It suggests that true wisdom is reflected in one’s ability to remain calm and composed, rather than reacting impulsively.

Contrasts in Behavior

• Righteousness: The behavior of the righteous is characterized by wisdom, patience, and a commitment to integrity.
• Wickedness: The wicked are depicted as foolish, quick-tempered, and ultimately self-destructive.

Practical Applications

1. Seek wisdom actively in daily decisions and relationships.
2. Practice patience and self-control, especially in challenging situations.
3. Evaluate the consequences of actions carefully before proceeding.
4. Be mindful of the words spoken, as they can build or destroy.
5. Recognize the value of hard work and the necessity of overcoming challenges for growth.

Conclusion

Proverbs 14 serves as a rich source of wisdom, providing practical insights into the nature of human behavior and the importance of making wise choices. The chapter encourages readers to reflect on their actions, the power of their words, and the paths they choose in life. By adhering to the principles laid out in this chapter, individuals can cultivate a life marked by righteousness, wisdom, and understanding.