Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 14

Verse 1

wise. Hebrew. chokmoth (see note on Proverbs 1:2 ), wisdoms, plural (with verb in singular) for emphasis. Figure of speech Hypallage ( App-6 ) = the true wisdom of women, which is put for the wise woman. The word is pointed as an Adjective by mistake. See notes on Proverbs 1:20 ; Proverbs 9:1 ; Proverbs 14:1 .

buildeth = has built. Preterite tense, implying the outcome of past wisdom.

the foolish = a foolish woman. Hebrew. 'evil. Same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:3 , Proverbs 14:8 , Proverbs 14:9 , Proverbs 3:17 , Proverbs 3:18 , Proverbs 3:24 , Proverbs 3:29 . Not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:7 , Proverbs 14:8 , Proverbs 14:16 , Proverbs 7:24 .

plucketh it down = will tear it down: future, because folly's present course is continuous to the end.

Verse 2

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

his ways. It may mean Jehovah's ways: i.e. he who turns out of His ways becomes an apostate, like the "strange" woman.

Verse 3

mouth. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is spoken by it.

of pride. Genitive of Possession, "pride's sceptre". See App-17 (3). On the one side, we have "pride", prating, and punishment; on the other side, prudence, piety, and preservation.

lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is spoken by them.

preserve = guard.

Verse 4

oxen. While these were multiplied, horses were prohibited.

Verse 5

A faithful witness, &c. See Matthew 26:60 , Matthew 26:61 ; Revelation 1:5 .

Verse 6

seeketh = every scorner hath sought repeatedly. Note the past tense.

and flndeth it not. Illustrations: the Pharisees (John 9:29 . Compare Pro 7:52 , and 1 Corinthians 2:14 ); Jews (Acts 13:41 , Acts 13:45 ); Athenians (1 Corinthians 1:23 ; 1 Corinthians 2:8 ).

understandeth = is discerning. Illustration: Ethiopian (Acts 8:27-39 ).

Verse 7

foolish. Hebrew. kesil . See note on Proverbs 1:7 . Same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:16 , Proverbs 14:33 ; not the same word as in verses: Proverbs 14:1 , Proverbs 14:3 , Proverbs 14:9 , Proverbs 1:17 , Proverbs 1:18 , Proverbs 1:29 .

man. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .

When thou perceivest not = "And acknowledge not". Hebrew. yada to know, as in verses: Proverbs 14:10 , Proverbs 14:33 , &c.

Verse 8

wisdom. Hebrew. chokma. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

the prudent = a prudent one. See note on "subtil", Genesis 3:1 .

is to understand. Not to vainly speculate about it, or to pry into the ways of others.

deceit = lying. Hebrew. ramah. See note on Proverbs 11:18 .

Verse 9

make a mock. The verb is singular, and probably the plural "fools" means "A great fool makes a mock", &c.

sin = guilt. The proper name for the trespass offering. Hebrew. 'asham ( App-44 .) Illustrations: the antediluvians (Luke 17:26 , Luke 17:27 ; 1 Peter 3:20 ); Abner (2 Samuel 2:14-17 ); Haman (Esther 3:13-15 . Est 29:2 ); the Jews (Isaiah 22:13 ).

the righteous = upright ones.

favour. Those who offer the trespass offering, experience the Divine favour.

Verse 10

his own bitterness = the bitterness of his soul (Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 ). Illustrations: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:8-13 ); Joab (2 Samuel 19:5-7 ); the Shunammite (2 Kings 4:27 ); Haman (Esther 5:13 ); Job (Job 3:0 ); Herod (Mark 6:16 ).

a stranger = an apostate. Hebrew. zur. See note on Proverbs 2:16 ; Proverbs 5:3 .

Verse 11

the wicked = lawless ones. Hebrew. rasha'. App-44 . See notes on Proverbs 14:32 .

tabernacle = a-tent, or dwelling. Hebrew. 'ohel. App-40 . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for the dwellers therein.

the upright = upright ones (as in Proverbs 14:9 ).

Verse 12

seemeth right = is pleasing. It only "seems" right, Illustrations: Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:27-33 ; 1 Kings 14:7-11 . Compare Proverbs 3:7 ); Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-24 ); Jews (Acts 13:50 ; John 16:2 . Compare Paul, Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:4-7 , and 1 Timothy 1:13 ).

are = is.

Verse 13

is: i.e. may be. Illustrations: Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36 , 1 Samuel 25:37 ); Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:2 ); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-6 , Daniel 5:30 ); Israelites (Amos 6:3-7 ); Babylon (Revelation 18:7 , Revelation 18:8 ).

Verse 14

filled = satisfied.

from himself. Ginsburg thinks, "from his own doings. "Compare Jeremiah 17:10 .

Verse 15

word: or thing.

Verse 16

evil. Hebrew. ra a'. See App-44 .

rageth = rusheth on.

confident. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .

Verse 17

wicked devices = deep schemes or intrigues.

Verse 18

the prudent = prudent ones.

Verse 19

The evil = evil ones. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

the righteous = a righteous one.

Verse 20

The poor = A needy one. Hebrew. rash. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

the rich = a rich man.

Verse 21

sinneth. Hebrew. chata

hath mercy on = is gracious to.

the poor = an afflicted one. Hebrew. 'anah. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

happy. See note on Proverbs 3:13 .

Verse 22

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Verse 25

souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 26

the fear of the LORD. See note on Proverbs 1:7 .

strong confidence. Illustrations: Abraham (Genesis 22:3-10 . Hebrews 11:19 ); David (1 Samuel 30:6 ); Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:7 , 2 Chronicles 32:8 , 2 Chronicles 32:22 ); Shadrach and others (Daniel 3:17 , Daniel 3:25 , Daniel 3:27 . Isaiah 43:2 ); Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19 ); Peter (Acts 12:6 . Acts 3:24 ); Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ).

children = sons.

Verse 27

depart from = avoid.

Verse 29

understanding = discernment. Hebrew. tebunah. See note on Proverbs 1:2 .

hasty of spirit. Illustrations: Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:0 . Compare Proverbs 14:16 , above); Jehoram (2 Kings 5:7 ); Martha (Luke 10:40 ).

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

Verse 31

the poor = a weak one. Hebrew. dal . See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

his Maker. An ancient title found in the book of Job (Job 35:10 ), also in Proverbs 17:5 ; just as we speak of the "Creator". Used here because He is the Maker of the weak as well as the strong. We meet with it again in Isaiah 17:7 ; Isaiah 51:13 ; Isaiah 54:5 . Not "confined to the later literature of Judaism".

the poor = a humble one. Hebrew. 'ebyon. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 32

The wicked = A lawless one. Heb rasha .

driven away in his wickedness = thrust down

in his evil-doing. Illustrations: Dathan (Numbers 16:33 ); Israel (Exodus 32:28 . 1 Corinthians 10:7 ); Balaam (Numbers 31:8 , Numbers 31:10 . Revelation 2:14 ). Canaanites (Joshua 2:9 ; Joshua 5:1 ; Joshua 5:10 . Deuteronomy 9:5 ); Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:11 ); Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:40 ); Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2-6 , Daniel 5:30 ).

wickedness = lawlessness, as above.

hath hope in his death. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 49:18 ); Joseph (Genesis 50:24 , Genesis 50:25 .Hebrews 11:22; Hebrews 11:22 ); David (2 Samuel 23:5 .Psalms 17:15; Psalms 17:15 ); Stephen (Acts 7:55 ); Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ); Peter (2 Peter 1:14 , 2 Peter 1:16 ; 2 Peter 3:13 ).

Verse 33

But, &c. The verb being feminine, may refer to "wisdom". If so we may render "and [even] in the midst of fools will make itself known".

Verse 34

exalteth . . . But, &c. Illustrations: Deuteronomy 4:6 ; Deu 4:28 ; 1 Kings 9:7-9 ; 2 Chronicles 15:3 , 2Ch 15:5 , 2 Chronicles 15:6 ; compare Joshua 1:8 ; Joshua 10:42 ; Joshua 23:14 with Judges 1:2 , &c.; compare 2 Chronicles 17:2-5 , 2 Chronicles 17:10 , 2 Chronicles 17:11 , and 2 Kings 18:7 with 2 Kings 16:0 . Compare the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-30 ); Egypt (Exodus 12:12 .Ezekiel 29:1-15; Ezekiel 29:1-15 ); Amalekites (Exodus 17:16 . 1 Samuel 15:0 ; Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-23 .Isaiah 47:6-15; Isaiah 47:6-15 ); Moab (Isaiah 16:6 , Isaiah 16:7 ); Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2-8 . Isaiah 23:1-9 ): Nineveh (Zephaniah 2:11-15 ).

people = peoples.