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Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14 provides a collection of sayings contrasting wisdom and foolishness, righteousness and wickedness, with a focus on how individuals' choices shape their lives and communities. The proverbs offer guidance on how to live wisely, avoid pitfalls, and honor God through daily decisions.

Proverbs 14:1-10 (NKJV)
1 The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive 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 mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.

The first ten verses reflect how wisdom and folly shape a person’s life and relationships. A wise woman creates a stable home, while foolishness leads to destruction. Uprightness reflects a healthy fear of God, while perversity shows disregard for Him. Wisdom preserves, while foolishness breeds pride and leads to destruction. The verses highlight the value of hard work (oxen bring increase) and honesty. Wisdom opens up understanding and progress, while foolishness leads to mockery of sin and superficial relationships, as no one truly shares in a stranger’s personal grief or joy.

Proverbs 14:11-15 (NKJV)
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief.
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.
15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.

The wicked might seem stable for a time, but their house will ultimately fall, while the upright will flourish. Not all paths that appear right lead to life; some lead to death, revealing the dangers of self-deception. Joy can be fleeting, as even in moments of laughter, sorrow might be lurking beneath. Those who stray from righteousness fill their lives with their own flawed ways, but the righteous find their satisfaction in God. Simple people are easily misled, but the prudent carefully evaluate their choices before taking action.

Proverbs 14:16-20 (NKJV)
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

The wise person avoids evil because of a healthy fear of consequences, while the fool, confident in their own ways, plunges ahead. Quick temper leads to foolish actions, and people despise those who harbor wickedness. Simple individuals invite folly upon themselves, but the prudent gain knowledge and are honored. Ultimately, the wicked will be forced to acknowledge the righteous. Wealth brings social connections, while poverty often isolates a person, reflecting the reality of human nature's tendencies.

Proverbs 14:21-25 (NKJV)
21 He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.

Despising one’s neighbor is sinful, while showing mercy to the poor brings true happiness. Those who plan evil inevitably go astray, while those who focus on goodness receive mercy and truth. Honest work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty. Wise people gain from their wisdom, often in tangible ways, while foolishness only produces more foolishness. Truthful witnesses bring salvation and deliverance, while those who lie contribute to harm and destruction.

Proverbs 14:26-30 (NKJV)
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king's honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.
30 A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.

The fear of the Lord gives strong confidence and security for future generations. This reverence for God brings life and steers individuals away from destruction. Leaders are honored when they have a strong following, but without people, they fail. Patience reflects understanding, while impulsive anger reveals folly. A peaceful heart brings life, but envy can eat away at a person, both emotionally and physically.

Proverbs 14:31-35 (NKJV)
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness, but the righteous has a refuge in his death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.

Oppressing the poor is an offense to God, the Creator, while showing mercy honors Him. Wickedness leads to ultimate banishment, while righteousness provides security, even in death. True wisdom is internal, resting quietly in those who understand, but folly is exposed outwardly. Righteousness lifts up a nation, making it strong, but sin brings disgrace. Wise servants earn the favor of their rulers, but those who bring shame receive their wrath.

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