Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Fourteen
We will now look at Proverbs chapter fourteen:
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1 (NASB)
Here again the wise and the foolish are contrasted. A wise woman is a great blessing to a family.
The affairs of the family are made to prosper. Debts are paid, portions raised, provision made, the children well educated and maintained, and the family has comfort within doors and credit without – thus is the house built. But many a family is brought to ruin by a foolish woman (or a foolish man for that matter). A person who has no fear of God within them (foolishness) – will live a life that reflects their beliefs – and the path is to their own destruction.
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. Proverbs 14:2 (NASB)
Here are some advantages of having “the fear of the Lord”:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Psalms 111:10 (NASB)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)
“The fear of the Lord prolongs life.” Proverbs 10:27 (NASB)
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.” Proverbs 14:26 (NASB)
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 14:27 (NASB)
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom.” Proverbs 15:33 (NASB)
“By the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.” Proverbs 16:6 (NASB)
“The fear of the Lord leads to life.” Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, But the lips of the wise will protect them. Proverbs 14:3 (NASB)
The King James version speaks of pride in this verse:
“In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” Proverbs 14:3 (KJV)
Here we see that the way of the foolish brings on their own punishment. It is brought on by their own mouth. But note too that the mouth of the wise protects them. Is this not proof enough that what we say has great importance?
4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4 (NASB)
Herein is a great proverb. I love this verse. Where there is no oxen there is no manure. But guess what? There is no income either.
When a farmer has no oxen, the stable will be clean but he will be unable to make a living. The only way to keep your life free of people problems is to keep it free of people. But if your life is empty of people, it will have no reward. Dealing with people is messy – because each of them produces their own manure. But if you live only for yourself – your life loses its meaning. Instead of avoiding people, we should serve others, share our faith, and work for justice.
5 A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness utters lies. Proverbs 14:5 (NASB)
The character of a person shows through. A liar – lies. A thief – steals. A dishonest person is dishonest. I know that we all make mistakes – but we all need to ask ourselves: “Is that my character showing through or am I acting out of character?”
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding. Proverbs 14:6 (NASB)
We all know mockers, people who scoff at every word of instruction or advice. They never find wisdom because they don't seek it seriously. Wisdom comes to those who apply God's Word to their lives and seek out godly counselors. If the wisdom you need does not come easily to you, perhaps your attitude is the barrier.
7 Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7 (NASB)
The company you keep does make a difference. To live in the presence of a fool – will make on foolish. In time they will not be able to discern words of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit. Proverbs 14:8 (NASB)
Barnes has said of this verse: “The highest wisdom is for a person to understand his own way. The most extreme folly is self-deceit.”
9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will. Proverbs 14:9 (NASB)
Fools don’t take sin serious. When conviction comes knocking on our door – we need to answer.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy. Proverbs 14:10 (NASB)
Every person has things that cause their heart to have sorrow. These are kept close to the person – just as extreme joy is. Words could not express them adequately.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish. Proverbs 14:11 (NASB)
Note the words: “house” and “tent”. For the believer – this world is only temporary. Therefore they live in a “tent”. For the worldling – they set their mind and heart on things of this world – thus they live in a “house”. But it will be destroyed.
12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 (NASB)
Many people believe that if they are “good” their efforts will earn they way to heaven. This sounds right and makes sense. All I need to do is be a “good” person and God will accept me. But what of the blood of Christ? No person can “earn” their way into the kingdom of God for it is a free gift – by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you are “good” that you can become “good enough”.
13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. Proverbs 14:13 (NASB)
Many times a smile is forced upon the face – even when the heart is in deep pain. The false expression in the end will be grief.
14 The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his. Proverbs 14:14 (NASB)
Clarke says of this verse:
Who is the backslider?
1. The man who once walked in the ways of religion, but has withdrawn from them.
2. The man who once fought manfully against the world, the devil, and the flesh; but has retreated from the battle, or joined the enemy.
3. The man who once belonged to the congregation of the saints, but is now removed from them, and is set down in the synagogue of Satan.
But who is the backslider in Heart?
1. Not he who was surprised and overcome by the power of temptation, and the weakness of his own heart.
2. He who drinks down iniquity with greediness.
3. Who gives cheerful way to the bent of his own nature, and now delights in fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and of the mind.
4. Who loves sin as before he loved godliness.
Who is the good man?
1. The man whose heart is right with God, whose tongue corresponds to his heart, and whose actions correspond to both.
2. The man who is everything that the sinner and backslider are not.
15 The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps. Proverbs 14:15 (NASB)
Don’t believe everything you hear. Search things out. God has given us common sense – but the use of it is not common.
16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. Proverbs 14:16 (NASB)
A wise person takes time to consider their decisions – not so the fool. They jump right in – thinking they know everything.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated. Proverbs 14:17 (NASB)
Here are two aspects of the unrighteous: quick-tempered and those who device evil.
God’s Word translation says:
“A short-tempered person acts stupidly, and a person who plots evil is hated.” Proverbs 14:17 (GW)
18 The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge. Proverbs 14:18 (NASB)
Don’t go through life with blinders on. Be sensible and reasonable. You then will be crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. Proverbs 14:19 (NASB)
Herein is a promise. Evil will bow down before good – it may not seem that way in the here and now – but it will happen – for God has proclaimed it.
20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor. Proverbs 14:20-21 (NASB)
Here is a general rule. The poor are hated and the rich are loved. Why is that? The poor seem to be a burden on us. From the outside you have to “give” to the poor – and you will “get” from the rich. The poor seem to be a burden while the rich seem to be a blessing.
But look at verse 21.
This verse must be taken with verse 20. Even if your neighbors are poor – it is a sin to despise them. The poor are in reality not a burden but a blessing. For by our behavior to them – we learn to build our character.
22 Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good. Proverbs 14:22 (NASB)
What plans do you desire? Is it for “good” or is it for “evil”? Kindness and truth is the reward of those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (NASB)
Clarke says of this verse:
If a man works at his trade, he gains by it. If he cultivates the earth, it will yield an increase. In proportion as he labors, so will be his profit. But he who talks much labors little – (there is poverty). A man words is seldom a man of deeds. Less talk and more work, is one of our own ancient advices.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, But the folly of fools is foolishness. Proverbs 14:24 (NASB)
The Living Bible translates this verse:
Wise men are praised for their wisdom; fools are despised for their folly. Proverbs 14:24 (TLB)
I think this is a good way to view this verse.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, But he who utters lies is treacherous. Proverbs 14:25 (NASB)
This verse brings to my mind a courtroom. A truthful witness saves lives whether the defendant be guilty or innocent. When the witness is false – there is injustice.
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27 (NASB)
We spoke earlier of “the fear of the Lord”. (See verse two)
Matthew Henry says:
“Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death.”
28 In a multitude of people is a king's glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince's ruin. Proverbs 14:28 (NASB)
Economic prosperity draws people. Families prosper. People from all over the world will want to be a part of it. But when there is famine or economic depression it brings no glory to the nation. To oppress the people of a land will be a government’s ruin.
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29 (NASB)
A nasty and quick temper can be like a fire out of control, burning everyone in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. Yet anger, in itself, is not wrong. Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause. Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right? Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult? Pray that God will help you control a quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance.
A characteristic of God is that He is “slow to anger”. Therefore by being “slow to anger” you emulate God’s character.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (NASB)
Contentment and quietness of heart is a good thing. But if you life is full of hurry and worry it is not a good thing. The Message Bible says:
“A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (MSG)
31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. Proverbs 14:31 (NASB)
God has always had a special concern for the poor. He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible – it is a command that may require a change of attitude
32 The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies. Proverbs 14:32 (NASB)
One person you must always live with is yourself. You know your motives. You know if your heart is pure. The writer of Hebrews says:
“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18 (NASB)
This should be all of our prayers.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the hearts of fools it is made known. Proverbs 14:33 (NASB)
Wisdom comes and stays at the house of those who have understanding. But to the fool there is only a passing hello.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (NASB)
Just as each person has character – so does a nation. Of course each nation is influenced by its leadership. We must choose righteous leaders in order to have a righteous nation. The sins of our leaders are a disgrace to our nation. Leaders should never be above the law – but be examples of how to keep it.
35 The king's favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully. Proverbs 14:35 (NASB)
The Great King who reigns over heaven and earth – will reward faithful servants who honor Him. Let us act in wisdom. Let us fear God – for His anger will be pointed to those who act shamefully. I would not want to be standing in their shoes – would you?
