Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 14

Introduction

CHAPTER 14

:-.

Verse 1

1. Every wise, &c.—literally, "The wisdoms" (compare :-) "of women," plural, a distributive form of speech.

buildeth . . . house—increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.

Verse 2

2. uprightness—is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 3:32) of despising Him and His law.

Verse 3

3. rod of pride—that is, the punishment of pride, which they evince by their words. The words of the wise procure good to them.

Verse 4

4. crib is clean—empty; so "cleanness of teeth" denotes want of food (compare :-). Men get the proper fruit of their doings ( :-).

Verse 5

5. A faithful witness, c.—one tested to be such.

utter lies—or, "breathe out lies"—that is, habitually lies ( :- compare Acts 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.

Verse 6

6. An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking (Proverbs 8:9; John 7:17; James 1:5; James 1:6).

Verse 7

7. Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.

Verse 8

8. Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.

Verse 9

9. Fools make a mock at sin—or, "Sin deludes fools."

righteous . . . favour—that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.

Verse 10

10. Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.

Verse 11

11. (Compare :-). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.

Verse 12

12. end thereof—or, "reward," what results (compare Proverbs 5:4).

ways of death—leading to it.

Verse 13

13. The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.

Verse 14

14. filled . . . ways—receive retribution (Proverbs 1:31).

a good man . . . himself—literally, "is away from such," will not associate with him.

Verse 15

15. The simple . . . word—He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness ( :-).

Verse 16

16. (Compare Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 28:14).

rageth—acts proudly and conceitedly.

Verse 17

17. He . . . angry—literally, "short of anger" (compare :-, opposite idea).

man . . . hated—that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.

Verse 18

18. inherit—as a portion (compare Proverbs 3:35).

are crowned—literally, "are surrounded with it," abound in it.

Verse 19

19. Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.

Verse 20

20. This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.

Verse 21

21. For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.

Verse 22

22. As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.

mercy and truth—that is, God's (Psalms 57:3; Psalms 61:7).

Verse 23

23. labour—painful diligence.

talk . . . penury—idle and vain promises and plans.

Verse 24

24. (Compare :-).

foolishness . . . folly—Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.

Verse 25

25. Life often depends on truth-telling.

a deceitful . . . lies—He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted ( :-).

Verse 26

26. The blessings of piety descend to children (Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 20:7; Exodus 20:6).

Verse 27

27. (Compare :-).

fear of the Lord—or, "law of the wise," is wisdom ( :-).

Verse 28

28. The teaching of a true political economy.

Verse 29

29. slow . . . understanding—(Compare :-).

hasty—(Compare :-).

exalteth folly—makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.

Verse 30

30. A sound heart—both literally and figuratively, a source of health; in the latter sense, opposed to the known effect of evil passions on health.

Verse 31

31. reproacheth his Maker—who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Proverbs 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 113:7).

Verse 32

32. driven—thrust out violently (compare Psalms 35:5; Psalms 35:6).

hath hope—trusteth (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 11:4; Psalms 2:12), implying assurance of help.

Verse 33

33. resteth—preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 13:16).

Verse 34

34. Righteousness—just principles and actions.

exalteth—raises to honor.

is a reproach—brings on them the ill-will of others (compare :-).

Verse 35

35. wise—discreet or prudent.

causeth shame— (Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 12:4) acts basely.