Proverbs 14

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 14

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.

27The 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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 14 extensively contrasts wisdom with folly, illustrating how each impacts one's conduct, speech, and ultimate destiny. It emphasizes that fearing the Lord is a fountain of life and a source of strong confidence, leading to uprightness and prosperity. The chapter also highlights the importance of truthfulness, compassion for the poor, and the destructive nature of sin and perverse ways.

Medium Summary

Proverbs 14 presents a series of antithetical proverbs, sharply distinguishing between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. It asserts that a wise woman builds her house, while a foolish one tears it down, and that the upright fear the Lord, unlike the perverse who despise Him. The chapter warns against the deceptive paths that seem right but lead to death, and illustrates how even laughter can mask a sorrowful heart. It underscores the value of truth, stating that a faithful witness does not lie and delivers souls, while a false witness utters deceit. Furthermore, the text emphasizes the blessings of fearing the Lord, describing it as a fountain of life and a source of refuge and strong confidence. It also addresses social responsibility, noting that despising one's neighbour is sin, but showing mercy to the poor brings happiness and honors one's Maker. Ultimately, the chapter teaches that righteousness exalts a nation, while sin brings reproach, and that wisdom leads to understanding and a sound heart.

Long Summary

Proverbs 14 is a collection of wisdom sayings that primarily delineate the stark differences between wisdom and folly, and righteousness and wickedness, detailing their respective characteristics and outcomes. The chapter begins by contrasting the wise woman who builds her house with the foolish one who tears it down, setting a theme of constructive versus destructive behavior. It teaches that those who walk in uprightness fear the Lord, while the perverse despise Him, linking moral conduct to one's relationship with God. The text warns against the perils of prideful speech from fools and highlights the preserving power of wise lips. It underscores the importance of discerning true knowledge, noting that scorners seek wisdom in vain, but it is easy for those who understand. A significant warning is given against paths that appear right to a man but ultimately lead to death, emphasizing the need for careful discernment. The chapter also explores the internal state, revealing that the heart knows its own bitterness, and that even in laughter, sorrow can reside. The fear of the Lord is presented as a cornerstone of life, described as a fountain of life that helps one depart from the snares of death, and a source of strong confidence and refuge for one's children. The proverbs address the vital role of truthfulness, asserting that faithful witnesses deliver souls, while deceitful ones speak lies. Social justice is also a theme, with the chapter condemning the oppression of the poor as a reproach to their Maker and commending mercy towards them. It contrasts the transient prosperity of the wicked with the enduring hope of the righteous, even in death. Finally, the chapter broadens its scope to national well-being, declaring that righteousness exalts a nation, while sin brings reproach to any people, and that a king's favour rests upon a wise servant.

Core Concepts

  • Wisdom vs. FollyThis chapter repeatedly contrasts the attributes and outcomes of wisdom and folly, showing how wisdom builds and preserves, while folly destroys, deceives, and leads to ruin.
  • The Fear of the LordPresented as a fundamental principle, the fear of the Lord is described as a source of strong confidence, a place of refuge, and a fountain of life that helps one avoid the snares of death.
  • Righteousness and Its BlessingsThe text illustrates that uprightness leads to favour, flourishing, and hope, and that righteousness is essential for the exaltation of a nation.
  • The Danger of DeceptionThe chapter warns against false witnesses who utter lies and deceitful paths that seem right but lead to death, emphasizing the destructive nature of falsehood.
  • Compassion for the PoorIt is stated that despising one's neighbour is sin, and that showing mercy to the poor honors one's Maker and brings happiness.
  • The Heart's ConditionThe proverbs reveal the hidden aspects of the heart, noting its capacity for bitterness even in laughter, and that a sound heart is life to the body, while envy leads to decay.