Proverbs 14
v.3
A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Oh, how true this is. 10/24/2022.
v.4
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest
v.6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Those who are serious and discerning acquire wisdom. The contrast is between the “mocker” and the “discerning” person. The former is intellectually arrogant; he lacks any serious interest in knowledge or religion. He pursues wisdom in a superficial way so that he might have the appearance of being wise.
v.7
Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
One cannot increase in knowledge by associating with a fool—nothing comes from nothing, as many can affirm. The verse is teaching people to get away from fools because they did not receive knowledge from what the fools said. If you want to learn, seek out the wise.
v.8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
v.10
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
This proverb forewarns against any forced attempts to express empathy.
Nothing is more intolerable to man than a state of complete repose, without desires, without work, without amusements, without occupation. In such a state he becomes aware of his nothingness, his abandonment, his inadequacy, his dependence, his emptiness, his futility. There at once wells up from the depths of his soul weariness, gloom, misery, exasperation, frustration, despair.
v.12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
See also Proverbs 19:20.
v.13
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
v.15
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Wisdom prevents gullibility. This verse contrasts the simpleton with the prudent, i.e., the youth who is untrained intellectually and morally with the wise one who has the ability to make the critical discriminations.The simpleton believes the word, probably because he hears what he wants to hear. The prudent person, however, discerns every step.
v.16
A wise man fears and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
Wise people are cautious and not reckless.
v.17
A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
Two character traits are distasteful to others are the quick temper and craftiness. The quick-tempered person acts foolishly and loses people’s respect, but the malicious plotter is hated.
v.21
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
v.23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
People should be more afraid of idle talk than hard work.
v.26
He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
v.27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
v.29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
Patience is the evidence of “great understanding.” Those with quick tempers (lit., “hasty of spirit”) exalt folly, i.e., they bring it to a full measure. So one should cultivate understanding.
v.30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
It is healthy to find contentment, for envy brings constant turmoil. That is, a healthy spirit is the life of the body—it soothes. On the other hand, envy brings pain and problems. The word for “envy” describes passionate zeal, a violent excitement that is never satisfied. The one who is “consumed with envy” has no peace.
v.31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
How people treat the poor display their faith in the Creator. Here is the doctrine of the Creation in its practical outworking. Those who oppress the “poor” show contempt for their Maker, for that poor person also is the image of God. Showing favor for the poor honors God because God commanded this to be done (see Mt 25:31-46; cf. Pr 14:21; 17:5; 19:17).
v.35
A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.