Proverbs 14:1-35

How do wise judgment and care for the poor reveal reverence for the Maker?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. 2 He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him. 3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. 5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, 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 ache, and joy may end in sorrow. 14 The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. 15 The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. 16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man 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 man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. 22 Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness. 23 There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the effort of fools is folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful. 26 He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. 28 A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin. 29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. 30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. 31 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. 32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.

What is the context?

The chapter ranges from a household built or torn down to upright conduct, truthful witness, prudent judgment, and meaningful work. Its brief sayings examine connected features of a life rather than one unfolding incident.

The ox and manger show that an apparently tidy absence can also mean the absence of productive strength. The comparison values what sustains life, not simply what looks effortless.

Appearance and understanding are repeatedly distinguished. A route may seem right yet lead toward death, an easy-looking confidence may be reckless, and laughter may conceal a grieving heart.

The prudent person does not believe every word. Patience, tested counsel, restraint of anger, and plans for good are contrasted with impulsiveness and deception.

The collection observes that the rich attract friends and the poor are abandoned, then immediately condemns despising a neighbor and praises kindness to the poor. Description of a social pattern is not approval of it.

Reverence for the Lord gives a fountain-of-life image and refuge. Truthful witnesses save lives, while oppressing the needy insults their Maker.

The final movement includes a refuge even in death, a nation’s need for righteousness, and a servant’s responsibility. These sayings do not turn one political program or outward prosperity into the sole measure of God’s favor.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains compassion for the poor through their relation to the Creator, and allows the righteous person’s refuge to reach beyond present danger into death. His older wording about mocking sin differs from the BSB’s making amends. The ethical emphasis should not be flattened into an assurance that every wise person enjoys an easy present life.

Where does this fit in God's plan?

James 2:1–17 develops the wider theme by rejecting favoritism toward the rich while confessing faith in Jesus Christ. James applies neighbor-love to the actual provision of food and clothing for those in need. He does not directly quote Proverbs 14; the connection concerns conduct that honors God rather than a respectable claim of faith without mercy.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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