Proverbs - Chapter 14

Proverbs 14.1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14.2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. Proverbs 14.3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Proverbs 14.4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14.5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. Proverbs 14.6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Proverbs 14.7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14.8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Proverbs 14.9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Proverbs 14.10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. Proverbs 14.11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. Proverbs 14.12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14.13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. Proverbs 14.14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. Proverbs 14.16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. Proverbs 14.17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. Proverbs 14.18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Proverbs 14.19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. Proverbs 14.20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. Proverbs 14.21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Proverbs 14.22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. Proverbs 14.23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Proverbs 14.24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. Proverbs 14.25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Proverbs 14.26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14.27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Proverbs 14.28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. Proverbs 14.29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Proverbs 14.30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14.32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Proverbs 14.33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Proverbs 14.34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14.35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Proverbs : Chapter 14

Wisdom in Proverbs 14

Proverbs chapter 14 invites us to reflect on wisdom both in our homes and in our societies. It asks the crucial question: how can we discern true wisdom from false wisdom? This rich text addresses a variety of themes, such as building a house, the value of honest work, and the dangers inherent in deception.

The Fear of the Lord and Folly

The chapter contrasts the fear of the Lord with foolishness, emphasizing the importance of compassion for the poor. Proverbs 14 also offers us valuable insight into wise leadership. Let's reflect together on five key proverbs that guide us toward enlightened discernment in all aspects of our lives. Supporting Verses In the book of Matthew 7:13-14, we read: "Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many go in through it. How narrow is the gate and how narrow is the way that leads to life! Few find it." » This passage complements Proverbs 14:12, which describes the path that seems good but leads to death.

Similarly, in James 2:15-16, it is written: "If a brother or sister needs clothing and daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, stay warm and eat until you are satisfied,' but you don't give them anything, what good does it do? » This verse resonates with Proverbs 14:31, highlighting the importance of caring for the poor.

1 Peter 3:4 encourages us: “But be in the innermost being, which does not perish, the beauty manifested in a submissive and quiet spirit, which is of great worth to God.” » This echoes Proverbs 14:30, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful heart.

Romans 12:15 exhorts us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." » This passage complements Proverbs 14:10, which reminds us of the personal and shared nature of our emotions.

Finally, Ephesians 4:25 reminds us: "Therefore, each of you must put away lying and speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are all members of the same body. » This reinforces the message of Proverbs 14:5, on the importance of honesty.

As we meditate on these verses and proverbs, may we be guided to a life of wisdom, love, and truth, in light of our Christian faith.