Proverbs 14
14:1 – The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands:
i. Consider your ways – consider what you are doing (actions) and where you are going (direction). Think about it – even Jesus said count the cost
14:2 – He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him:
i. One who walks or obeys – obedience is thus a reflection of our fear of God. This call is to be who we are – new creations. Jesus made us upright/righteous; thus, our call is to walk in that righteousness.
14:3 – In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise will preserve them:
i. Fools rod of correction is their own pride – it comes from their own mouth. (I am my own worst enemy)
14:4 – Where no oxen are the trough is clean; but much increases comes by the strength of an ox:
i. Where there is no work being done there is no mess/disorder to deal with.
a. Consider church planting – Paul had to spend the majority of his letters addressing behavioral and doctrinal issues. (Romans / Ephesians are the only books that do not contain correction).
ii. Doing work brings disorder and mess but there is also an increase that comes with doing the work. (My house is a mess – toys aren’t forever)
a. This proverb is about the mess and disorder that comes with growth (spiritual) and learning.
14:5 – A Faithful witness does not lie; but a false witness will utter lies:
i. The primary responsibility of a witness is to tell the truth. (Jesus said we are to be his witnesses – thus we are to tell the truth about him, who he is and what he has done).
