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.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings that provide guidance for living a virtuous and righteous life. Chapter 14 of Proverbs continues this theme, offering practical advice on various aspects of life such as relationships, wealth, and wisdom. This chapter is rich in wisdom and provides valuable insights into the consequences of our actions and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Chapter 14 of Proverbs is divided into four main sections, each containing a series of verses that cover a specific theme. The first section, verses 1-9, focuses on the importance of wisdom and its impact on our lives. The second section, verses 10-19, discusses the consequences of our actions and the importance of controlling our temper. The third section, verses 20-27, deals with the themes of wealth and poverty, while the final section, verses 28-35, covers various topics such as righteousness, leadership, and the fear of the Lord.
1. The Importance of Wisdom
Proverbs 14:1 states, "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom in building a strong foundation for our lives. It also highlights the destructive consequences of foolishness. Throughout this chapter, there are several verses that emphasize the value of wisdom and its role in leading a successful and fulfilling life.
2. Controlling Our Temper
Verses 17 and 29 of Proverbs 14 warn against anger and its destructive nature. It states, "A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated." and "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." These verses remind us of the importance of controlling our emotions and not giving in to anger, which can lead to foolish and harmful actions.
3. Wealth and Poverty
Proverbs 14:20 states, "The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends." This verse highlights the disparity between the rich and the poor and the impact it has on their relationships. It also reminds us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the quality of our relationships and our character.
4. Righteousness and Wickedness
Throughout this chapter, there are several verses that contrast the path of righteousness with the path of wickedness. Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." This verse emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and the consequences of sin. It also reminds us that our actions not only affect ourselves but also those around us.
5. Leadership
Verses 28 and 34 of Proverbs 14 discuss the characteristics of a good leader. It states, "A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined." and "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." These verses highlight the importance of leadership and the impact it has on a nation or community. A good leader leads with righteousness and wisdom, while a bad leader can bring destruction and ruin.
6. The Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a common theme throughout the book of Proverbs, and chapter 14 is no exception. Verses 26 and 27 state, "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death." These verses remind us that the fear of the Lord brings protection and leads to a fulfilling life.
Chapter 14 of Proverbs provides valuable insights into various aspects of life and offers practical advice on how to live a virtuous and righteous life. It reminds us of the importance of wisdom, controlling our temper, and living with integrity. The chapter also highlights the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on our relationships, community, and nation.
Furthermore, this chapter highlights the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. The fear of the Lord is emphasized throughout the chapter, reminding us that our ultimate goal should be to live a life that honors and glorifies God. Through wisdom and righteousness, we can build a strong foundation for our lives and find true fulfillment and purpose.
Overall, chapter 14 of Proverbs serves as a guide for living a wise and righteous life. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and encourages us to choose the path of wisdom and righteousness. By following the teachings and wisdom found in this chapter, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and bring blessings to ourselves and those around us.
Proverbs 14 is a powerful chapter that offers practical advice and wisdom for living a virtuous and righteous life. It reminds us of the importance of wisdom, controlling our temper, and living with integrity. It also highlights the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on our relationships, community, and nation. Ultimately, this chapter stresses the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and finding true fulfillment and purpose through wisdom and righteousness.
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