Proverbs 16:1-33

 ¹ The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. ² All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. ³ Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. ⁴ The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. ⁵ Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. ⁶ In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. ⁷ When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. ⁸ Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. ⁹ A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. ¹⁰ Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. ¹¹ Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. ¹² It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. ¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. ¹⁴ As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. ¹⁵ In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. ¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. ¹⁷ The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. ¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. ¹⁹ Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. ²⁰ He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. ²¹ The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. ²² Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. ²³ The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. ²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. ²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. ²⁶ The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. ²⁷ An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. ²⁸ A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. ²⁹ A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. ³⁰ He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. ³¹ The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. ³² He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. ³³ The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

Commentary 

Vs. 1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

A man my plan to do this thing or that, but the Lord is Sovereign, and He will always prevail, in revealing and declaring and then establishing His will. 

Vs. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. 

A man may justify to himself or others doing this thing or that, however it is the Lord who weighs the spirits, that is it is He who knows and judges all the works and ways of a man. 

Vs. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. 

Here we are encouraged to commit all of our works to the Lord, to trust Him wholly to bring them about, for if they are His will then He Will bring them about, and thus our thoughts will established when we accept His decisions and not try to establish our own. 

Vs. 4 The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 

The Sovereignty of Almighty God is such that though the wicked may “triumph” for season, there end, and ruin is assured. 

Vs. 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. 

Human pride is always an abomination to the Lord because by it man or woman denies and or seeks to supplant their Creator and Sustainer; seeks to establish themselves or their will above Him and His. When the world united themselves to build the tower of Babylon it was through human pride, and when the world once again unites itself to take their stand against the Lord Jesus Christ and His armies at Armageddon it will be through the same human pride. Be assured then all who do so will be punished. 

Vs. 6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. 

Here we see a parallel with John 1:16, that through God’s mercy and His words truth the Atonement has been provided for all of our iniquities (i.e., sins). That said having in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is never devoid of having a fear of the Lord, for it is by it that one also departs from evil. 

Vs. 7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

This is a great promise, as well as a reality check for us when things go south, because surely the Lord appoints both good and bad in our lives (Isaiah 45:7). 

Vs. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 

Here we commended to living honestly and justly rather then following the paths of the ruthless, greedy and unjust. 

Vs. 9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 

God’s Sovereignty is once again from and center, as a man may plan this or that, but it is Lord alone who directs His steps, which again is another reason to fear Him, 

Vs. 10 Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 

Here the idea is that the king rules for God, therefore his mouth must not transgress in judgment by showing partiality, or by rendering unjust decisions that do not reflect nor represent God well. 

Vs. 11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 

God’s dealings are always honest and just, everything He measures out is always fair and true, therefore those who conduct business down here must always do the same. A dishonest measure then has no place with those who fear Him and want to obey Him. 

Vs. 12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 

The king is God’s representative, therefore he must shun all wickedness and evil, for a throne is established by righteousness, not lawlessness’s. 

Vs. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 

When a man speaks righteously, and not with deception or flattery, they become the delight of kings. For even the evil Herod had a deep regard for John the Baptist because he always spoke what was right and true in the sight of God (Mark 6:20). 

Vs. 14 As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 

A wise will not arouse the king’s wrath, for the king can has power to sentence one to death, and so when his wrath is aroused a wise will appease it. 

Vs. 15 In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 

When a king is alighted with joy his face lights up with life, and so his favor goes out to those who do so, and thus he refreshes them like a cloud of the latter rain 

Vs. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 

Wisdom from, and understanding of God lasts forever, but silver and gold are only possessed for a moment. For a man may become rich, but yet he remains a fool. 

Vs. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 

To depart from evil is the highway of the upright, for they not only preserve their persons and lives from sins troubles, but everyone who departs from evil preserves their soul. 

Vs. 18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 

This proverb is so true, when a man or woman walk in pride they do not see the pitfalls before them, and so they cast of restraint, or reject sound counsel and guidance and only set themselves on a course for destruction and ruin. 

Vs. 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

The person who remains humble will remain with humble people instead of getting snared with the proud. For no one who is proud will go unpunished. 

Vs. 20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 

Wisely heeding God’s Word is the only way to find good. Same with trusting in the Lord is the only way to everlasting joy. 

Vs. 21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 

A wise person will be well regarded not only for their discernment and understanding, but also their ability to teach and instruct others. 

Vs. 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 

Having understanding overflows with life to those who have it. However, to correct a fool is only folly because they will not listen and learn. The Lord Jesus warned about giving what is holy to the dogs and casting one’s perils before swine lest they turn and tear you in pieces (also consider Prov. 1:7; 2:2; 7:23; 12:15, 12:23; 13:19; 14:3, 9; 15:5, 14; 17:16; 18:2; 23:9; 26:7, 9 etc.). 

Vs. 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 

A wise person teaches his mouth, that is he disciplines it (consider James 1:26) and in doing so he also adds learning to his lips so that he may wisely instruct others. 

Vs. 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 

When we use pleasant words, i.e., kind words or caring speech, or even just encouraging speech we are like a honey comb (i.e., a blessing) to those we speak too, bringing sweetness to their souls and health to their bones. 

Vs. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 

This Proverb is first stated in Pr. 14:12 and being repeated in the Word God gives evidence to its importance and reality. When I came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God was opened up to me I was amazed at how true and revealing it was, and one of the first verses I read in Proverbs was this one which struck me as being profoundly wise and insightful. 

Vs. 26 The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 

The person who only labors for themself is driven by nothing other than their desire to satisfy their own appetites. Jesus warned about having that sort of outlook on life when He said: “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” ^{John 6:27} 

Vs. 27 An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 

An ungodly person not only does evil but also actively digs it up, i.e., looks for it in others, and then they broadcast it everywhere. 

Vs. 28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 

Similar to the ungodly person in being evil is the perverse (i.e., crooked) person. For they love to distort the truth and to use such things to their advantage, even setting people against each other for their own gain. Therefore, where they are there is going to be strife. In the same vein as them is the whisper (talebearer) who by doing so will destroy even the best of friendships. 

Vs. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 

The violent man entices his neighbor to join in violent or vengeful acts often under the guise of doing justice, or “protecting”, someone or something. 

Vs. 30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 

Winking of the eye is likely to bring others in agreement to do whatever illegal or evil or wrongdoing that he himself has already plotted to do. The Pursing of his lips indicates his determination to see it through. 

Vs. 31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 

Long life is a crown of glory, and it is found in the way of righteousness. 

Vs. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 

Far greater in the sight of God (and far better of) is the person who is slow to anger than he who is mighty (consider Pr. 14:17), because a strong or powerful man who cannot manage his temper will only do much unnecessary harm (antithesis James 1:19-20). In the same vein then is he who rules his spirit, and thus is not ruled by it, this one is far better he who takes a city (i.e., does great deeds) because they’re works will remain, for the angry person always undermines their own successes and relationships. 

Vs. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord. 

In ancient times the casting of lots was they way God’s people determined the Will of the Lord. Now God Himself was in this and so through it He rendered His decision, that is what is being stated here. Now this practice was last used by the Apostles in determining the replacement Apostle for Judas Iscariot (see Acts 1:15-26). However, since the Holy Spirit’s outpouring the mind of the Lord is now revealed to us though Him and God’s Word (consider 1 Cor. 2:6-16; John 10:1-5) and thus the casting of lots has ceased to be used by God to render His Will for us.

Scripture Quotations

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Proverbs 15:1-33

 ¹ A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. ² The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. ³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. ⁴ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. ⁵ A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. ⁶ In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. ⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool does not do so. ⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. ⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness. ¹⁰ Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die. ¹¹ Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. ¹² A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. ¹³ A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. ¹⁴ The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. ¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. ¹⁶ Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble. ¹⁷ Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. ¹⁸ A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. ¹⁹ The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. ²⁰ A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. ²¹ Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. ²² Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. ²³ A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! ²⁴ The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. ²⁵ The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. ²⁶ The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, But the words of the pure are pleasant. ²⁷ He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. ²⁸ The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. ²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. ³⁰ The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy. ³¹ The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. ³² He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. ³³ The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

Commentary

Vs. 1 A soft answer turns away wrath, 

But a harsh word stirs up anger. 

A soft answer will turn away wrath that has been aroused, (especially within a ruler), while a harsh word only assures one of escalating and or intensifying rage. 

Vs. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, 

But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 

A wise person knows how to use knowledge rightly, thus they know what to say, (and how to say it), and thus what to reveal and even what to conceal. In contrast the fool has neither wisdom, nor knowledge, nor understanding but in attempting to sound “wise” they only pour forth foolishness. 

Vs. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, 

Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 

In an evil and unjust world this is our great consolation that the Lord sees everything done under the sun, and so it is His Omniscient eyes that are not only watching over us all who believe in Him, but also all who don’t. 

Vs. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, 

But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 

When one uses wholesome speech that strengthens, encourages, consoles and or gives grace to another in their time of need they themselves become ministers of the gospel and grace and love of God. But when one uses perverse or crooked speech that only cuts down another, they do nothing but break their spirit. Consider what the Scripture says of the Lord Jesus Christ that, “A bruised reed He will not break. And a smoking flax He will not quench…” ^{Matt. 12:20 paraphrase} 

Vs. 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, 

But he who receives correction is prudent. 

Only a fool despises his father’s instruction, that is the lessons that he himself has learned in his life and now wants to impart to his son. Therefore, a wise son will receive his father’s instruction and he will grow in prudence. 

Vs. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, 

But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 

A righteous life always brings with it its own rewards and blessings from God. Similarly, the revenue of the wicked always brings with it its own evils and troubles. 

Vs. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, 

But the heart of the fool does not do so. 

When a wise man speaks, he disperses knowledge, and thus imparts understanding to his hearers. The fool on the other hand has nothing to impart to anyone other than foolish and meaningless and vile speech. 

Vs. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, 

But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 

The wicked persons “sacrifice” is an abomination to the Lord because it is devoid of faith in the Lord, thus for all the pomp and ceremony that may surround it, it only conceals what they truly think and are. In contrast then is the prayer of the upright, which is never put on display before men, but is born out of their faith and trust in Him.  

Vs. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, 

But He loves him who follows righteousness. 

The wicked persons way is an abomination to the Lord because they only pervert and distort and or reject what is morally and ethically good and sound. Therefore, the Lord loves him who follows righteousness because they live by and bring forth His Words truths through their own persons and lives. 

Vs. 10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, 

And he who hates correction will die. 

First there is the one who forsakes the way according to God’s Word, and thus they incur harsh discipline for their arrogance, then there is the one who hates correction (which maybe the same individual) and so they reap their own rebellions stubborn pride with death. 

Vs. 11 Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; 

So how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 

Since Hell (lit. Sheol, the place of dead) and Destruction (Abaddon, lit. the place of Destruction or Ruin) are before the Lord, thus He knows all that takes place beyond this life in the grave, how much more than does He know what takes place in the hearts of men here and now (consider Heb. 4:13). 

Vs. 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, 

Nor will he go to the wise. 

The scoffer’s own arrogance will never allow him to be corrected, and so he will not love those who try to do so, indeed he will never go to the wise for counsel, because anyone’s counsel outside of his own is always inferior to his own in his mind. 

Vs. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, 

But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 

When one has joy in their heart it is seen on their face. But when one retains sorrow in their heart their spirit is broken. 

Vs. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, 

But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 

People who have understanding seek more knowledge, and thus they grow in more understanding. In contrast the mouth of fools only feeds on foolishness, and thus they never come to knowledge nor understanding. 

Vs. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, 

But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 

Those who are afflicted in their spirit often see their lives as only being evil, and thus their own outlook often fuels their own depression and despondency and even anger. In contrast those who are of a merry heart have a continual feast, thus they survive the lows in this life far better than those who only see the worst in everything. Consider then that the Joy of the Lord truly is our strength when we are faced with evil days (consider Psalm 42:11.) 

Vs. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, 

Than great treasure with trouble. 

Better to live in in poverty and fear the Lord than to have great treasure with trouble because their lives are spent worrying about how to keep and preserve their wealth (consider Ecc. 5:12-17; James 1:9-11).

Vs. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, 

Than a fatted calf with hatred. 

Even in poverty a home filled with love always makes for a fulfilling meal; while a feast with hatred only leaves one feeling in want. 

Vs. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, 

But he who is slow to anger allays contention. 

A wrathful man by his own angry nature only stirs up strife and more conflicts, while a man who is slow to wrath is not inclined to contentions and strife, instead he seeks to ally contention, to make peace where possible not more conflict and strife. 

Vs. 19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, 

But the way of the upright is a highway. 

Though the lazy man thinks he wise in avoiding work (and or taking “short cuts”) as much as possible, in the end he only makes his own life much more difficult and strenuousness and burdensome when his own laziness comes home to roast and repays him. In contrast those who walk uprightly find that their lives are like a highway, like a smooth and easy path to follow. 

Vs. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, 

But a foolish man despises his mother. 

A wise son makes his father glad because he shuns and strives to avoid all the ways of sin and folly, and thus bears not only his own name well, but also his fathers. In contrast the foolish man does not take heed to watch his own steps. Instead, he even despises his own mother who tries to keep him from sin and reckless living long after his father has given up on him. 

Vs. 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, 

But a man of understanding walks uprightly. 

Doing, pursuing and speaking foolishness only brings joy to those who are destitute of discernment. For a man of understanding knows that all such things are short lived and enjoyed, therefore he chooses to fear the Lord and live uprightly. 

Vs. 22 Without counsel, plans go awry, 

But in the multitude of counselors they are established. 

When someone in leadership sets out on their own very often, they only end up undermining the very plans they are seeking to establish, because no one, no matter how skilled, how educated, how experienced can see and foresee all that needs, or will need to be done, and thus no one is beyond benefitting from the knowledge, insights, gifts and talents etc. of others, especially in the Spiritual realm. Therefore, in the multitude of counselors God’s plans are established. 

Vs. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, 

And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 

A person who knows how to answer will themselves experience the joy and satisfaction of having aided someone in a meaningful way. Similarly, a timely word is much more cherished that than an insincere gift. 

Vs. 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, 

That he may turn away from hell below. 

Following the Lord Jesus Christ is the Way of life. For in following Him one avoids not only all the pitfalls of sin, but also all the meaningless pursuits that consume men’s lives down here. And so the way of life, of abundant life is through Jesus Christ winds upward for the wise as they reach for the prize. 

Vs. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, 

But He will establish the boundary of the widow. 

The Lord never looks favorable on those who walk in pride; indeed, all such things are destined for destruction (consider Isaiah 2:11-12). Therefore, if His eternal wrath is against those who walk in pride, who say inside themselves who is the Lord that we should serve Him (Job 21:16), then His eternal mercies are always towards those who are contrite and humble (Luke 18:9-14), here this being exemplified by His establishing the boundary of the widow (consider James 1:27). 

Vs. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, 

But the words of the pure are pleasant. 

Not only are the deeds of the wicked an abomination to the Lord but also their very thoughts, that is all their wicked desires, schemes, and plots. 

Vs. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, 

But he who hates bribes will live. 

The person who is driven by greed will bring troubles to his own house, because greed is like a spreading cancer that inevitable consumes and ruins first the integrity, and then the lives of those who are given to it. In contrast then is the one who hates bribes, they then by doing so will secure their own places with the Lord. 

Vs. 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, 

But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 

Because the heart of the righteous person studies how to answer before they speak, they will bring forth sound counsel along with edifying and comforting speech, especially when faced with difficult issues. In contrast the wicked persons mouth only pours forth evil, whether this is vile or violent words and speech, the wicked persons mouth is never thoughtful or restrained, instead they only pour out all manner of filth and wrath, of blasphemies and abominations. 

Vs. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, 

But He hears the prayer of the righteous. 

Though the wicked may feign prayer or fellowship with the Lord, knows this that He is always far from them. However, if one repents and draws near to Him, then He Himself will draw near to them, for the Lord always hears the prayer of righteous, (not the self-righteous), but those who live righteous lives, and have been declared righteous by Him, by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.   

Vs. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, 

And a good report makes the bones healthy. 

Everyone who has the light of Christ in their eyes rejoices the hearts of everyone who does not yet know Him, but wants too. Combine that with the Good News of the Gospel, and you will make the bones of all who hear you truly healthy. 

Vs. 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life 

Will abide among the wise. 

When anyone takes heed to God’s counsels in the Bible they will abide among the wise. For the rebukes of life only come through the Word of God, for by it there is both conviction of sin and redemption from it through the Person and Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Vs. 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, 

But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 

The person who disdains God’s instruction (i.e., counsels) only despises His own soul, because to reject His Word is to reject Him, and thus to be given over to one’s sins (consider Rom. 1:18-32). In contrast then is the person who heeds a rebuke from God’s Word, these then will get understanding, and they will grow in righteousness (consider Rom. 6:16-23). 

Vs. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, 

And before honor is humility. 

The fear of the Lord is the only path to wisdom. Similarly the only path to honor is through humility.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Proverbs 14:1–35

 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Commentary 

Vs. 1 “The wise woman builds her house, 

But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 

A wise woman by her conduct and by her decisions builds her house (See Prov. 31:10-31); in contrast the foolish woman only undermines hers; for example, by neglecting her own duties as a wife and mother and pursuing vain things, or constantly nagging and discouraging her husband, or not taking proper care of their children (which includes provision, instruction, and discipline and should involve both parents). And so, if her marriage and her house are not her primary focus, then she runs the risk of ruining both. 

Vs. 2 “He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, 

But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. 

A person who walks uprightly shows that they have a healthy fear of the Lord, that they want to be pleasing to Him, while a person who is perverse (i.e., crooked) in their ways has little concern for such things, and thus they show themselves to only despise Him. 

Vs. 3 “In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, 

But the lips of the wise will preserve them. 

The fool’s mouth is full of pride; and so, they will have to endure the wrath of God for it (consider Job 40:9-14; Psalm 10:3-4; Isaiah 2:11-12; 13:11 etc.). While the lips of wise will preserve them, because they shun such things. 

Vs. 4 “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; 

But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. 

In ancient times an ox was a powerful vessel, and a team of them could easily do the work of ten strong men, however without it, little land could actually be plowed by a single man laboring by hand, thus without its strength to assist one the trough is clean. However, much increase comes by the strength of an ox. And so, the lesson is by employing the right tools and equipment one not only makes the task easier, but also far more productive! Technology then should never be shunned by anyone in ministry when it is used in a Godly way for Godly purposes. “For the earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein ^{Psalm 24:1} 

Vs. 5 “A faithful witness does not lie, 

But a false witness will utter lies. 

God is the God of Truth and those who believe in Him, who want to please Him, always strive to be truthful in all things. In contrast the false witness has no qualms about lying about anyone or anything if it serves them, and so their word should never be trusted. 

Vs. 6 “A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, 

But knowledge is easy to him who understands. 

A scoffers own arrogance shuts him out from attaining to wisdom, for the perquisite for wisdom and salvation from God is always humility (consider James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Therefore, knowledge is easy to him who understands, because he sees his need, he gratefully receives His Word, and so it is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who by His Spirit who then instructs him, and everyone who believes in Him (John 2:27). 

Vs. 7 “Go from the presence of a foolish man, 

When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.” 

One cannot learn, nor attain to understanding by listening to the words of fools. For giving audience to a foolish person’s speech is only akin to sharing in their folly and nonsense which they speak. Therefore, never do it. Never validate it, lest you unwittingly become a partaker and partner of it. 

Vs. 8 “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, 

But the folly of fools is deceit.” 

Because the wise person walks prudently, they understand their ways, therefore they conduct themselves and their affairs with discretion and with integrity. In contrast the fool has no such concerns, instead they only openly do and pursue all their hearts folly and shame to their own misery and ruin. Their folly then which seems “joyful” in the moment is only deceit. 

V. 9 “Fools mock at sin, 

But among the upright there is favor.” 

Because there are often no immediate consequences, nor judgment for sin, fools in their self-deceived pride mock at sin, mock and scoff at those who preach against it. And yet judgment delayed is not judgment deferred, as the Scripture warns (consider Ecc. 8:11-13). Therefore, seek those who walk uprightly, or those who are repentant in heart, for you will always find favor and a listening audience with them. Therefore “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” ^{Matt. 7:6} 

Vs. 10 “The heart knows its own bitterness, 

And a stranger does not share its joy. 

Though the “joy” of sin is often shared with others, the bitterness of sin never is.  

Vs. 11 “The house of the wicked will be overthrown, 

But the tent of the upright will flourish. 

Even though a house is far superior to a tent, when the wicked build their houses they are only building what will be overthrown. Therefore, even the mere tent of the upright will find itself long established and flourishing long after the house of the wicked has come to ruins. 

Vs. 12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, 

But its end is the way of death.” 

Many people who are ignorant of Christ and the way of life, find themselves doing and pursuing what the world says is right, thus they are only living by its morality, by what popular culture says is right, or by how they were raised and influenced through their lives, and so what they do seems right to them. However, as every repentant sinner now knows their old ways of life only end in death. These then are the people whom God’s Word very often reaches and saves. 

Vs. 13 “Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, 

And the end of mirth may be grief. 

Though one may be laughing outwardly, their heart may be sorrowing inwardly, this is the state of many who have not yet been born-again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Similarly, the end of mirth (i.e., joy, celebration, partying etc.) just may be grief. 

Vs. 14 “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, 

But a good man will be satisfied from above.” 

When one backslides away from the Lord and returns to their old sinful ways, they will be filled with them, with the consequences of them. However, a good man who remains faithful to Him will be satisfied from heaven above. 

Vs. 15 “The simple believes every word, 

But the prudent considers well his steps.” 

Simple people believe everything told them, and so they are easily swayed or influenced or worse manipulated by others to do and believe whatever it is they are being told. Therefore, because they don’t discern good from evil, lies from truth, they fall into all kinds of traps and troubles. In contrast the prudent person considers the consequences and outcome of what they believe and do before they step out. Therefore, we must always discern by the Word of God what is being told us, because there are many false teachers and false prophets, many liars and deceivers, even cults etc. that want you to believe their lies and follow their deceitful and evil ways (consider Matt. 7:15-20). 

Vs. 16 “A wise man fears and departs from evil, 

But a fool rages and is self-confident.” 

Wise people fear the Lord and depart from evil, they don’t “run with the crowd” to do and pursue whatever it is their doing or about to do. While the fool only rages at any provocation and self confidently pursues his own wrath to his own harm or ruin. 

Vs. 17 “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, 

And a man of wicked intentions is hated.” 

Being quick to anger always distorts one’s perceptions and judgments, thus they act foolishly as they cast of restraint and give vent to their rage. Now as bad as that is, people will often bear it. However, a sinister person, who works treacherously behind people’s backs is always hated. 

Vs. 18 “The simple inherit folly, 

But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” 

Simple people by their refusal grow in knowledge and understanding; and especially of the Lord; will only inherit folly, that is they will reap the all consequences of their own ignorance. However, those who are prudent, who do believe and seek to obey Him, will always grow in knowledge of Him, because they become doers of the Word and not just hearers (consider James 1:22-25), and thus they will be honored by God. 

Vs. 19 “The evil will bow before the good, 

And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.” 

This Proverb speaks most loudly to God’s finial triumph over evil, when every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father. Therefore, know that just as the Father has exalted His Son, so shall He also exalt in triumphful victory everyone who believes in Him (consider Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6; also 1 Peter 2:9-10, not to mention the many passages concerning Jerusalem’s finial exaltation, just consider Isaiah 60:1-61:7). 

Vs. 20 “The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, 

But the rich has many friends.” 

One of curses of poverty is how it makes one ill esteemed in the eyes of others. And for some even to the point of open contempt and mistreatment. That the rich has many “friends” is not speaking to true friendship, rather people always respect and honor them, because they court their favor, and in this ambitious and self-serving people are most adept. 

Vs 21 “He who despises his neighbor sins; 

But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.” 

In the previous proverb we were told how the poor is hated even by his own neighbor, and so here we are told that to despise one’s neighbor is only to sin, because all people fundamentally bear the Image of God, and we are all universally in need of Him. Thus, to despise one’s neighbor only reveals one’s own ignorance and arrogance. In contrast then with that very wrong and ungodly attitude is the one who has mercy on the poor, they are happy because they honor the Lord by doing so (consider James 2:5-13). Again, to despise one’s neighbor is sin because he dwells by you for safety sakes (consider Prov. 3:29).

Vs. 22 “Do they not go astray who devise evil? 

But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.” 

Those who plot evil and harm against others only undermine themselves, because by doing such things they only move themselves farther away from God and farther into darkness. 

Vs. 23 “In all labor there is profit, 

But idle chatter leads only to poverty.” 

Any labor, even the most menially and mundane labor is profitable, because by it one receives payment and reward. However, those who spend their time in idle chatter will earn nothing but poverty for themselves. 

Vs. 24 “The crown of the wise is their riches, 

But the foolishness of fools is folly.” 

Wise people are crowned with riches, and not just materially wealth, (which is really a measure of nothing, since time and chance happens to us all, Ecc. 9:11-12), but wealth in a more complete sense, involving the quality of one’s life and relationships, especially one’s relationship with God who adorns all who believe and obey Him with salvations riches (1 Cor. 4:8; Gal. 5:22-23). Therefore, shun the foolishness of the fools, because their ways are only full of folly, and so that will be their reward and inheritance from Him. 

Vs. 25 “A true witness delivers souls, 

But a deceitful witness speaks lies.” 

A true witness will always deliver souls whether in God’s court or mans, but a deceitful witness will only speaks lies because they fear neither God nor man. Here we see the contrast between the genuine believer and a false brother. For the genuine believer speaking the truth of Christ’s Gospel is just a matter of course of their new life, for it is God’s truth that saved and transformed them, and so they will bear true witness to it, through their persons and lives as well as with their mouths. Therefore, when believers speak the truth in love, (of God’s love and grace extended to us all, but also His Holiness, righteousness, wrath and justice) they will deliver souls from hell, not every soul, but every soul whom God has appointed to eternal life (Acts 13:48). In contrast a deceitful witness will only speak lies, for they regard neither God, nor man, and so they will speak lies (in hypocrisy) just to try to impress people, or to deceive and mislead, so as to make “coverts” for themselves. 

Vs. 26 “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, 

And His children will have a place of refuge.” 

Every one who fears the Lord shall have strong confidence, because the Lord defends and protects all who do so, for He makes their paths straight, and so even their children will find a place of refuge with Him. 

Vs. 27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, 

To turn one away from the snares of death.” 

When one fears the Lord, they repent and depart from evil, thus it is a fountain of life, because they find new and everlasting life for themselves by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Vs. 28 “In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, 

But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.” 

A king is honored when he is established by a loyal and a large constituency. While a prince only finds ruin when he is “established” and “honored” only by a few. 

Vs. 29 “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, 

But he who is impulsive exalts folly.” 

Being slow to wrath is a sign of having great understanding, great wisdom, great self-control, for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God, therefore the wise are slow to it (James 1:20). While the impulsive individual, who is only driven by their impulses, and thus is set of by anything, shows neither tact, nor understanding, nor wisdom, nor self-control, and so who would you rather follow, emulate, and or submit yourself too? 

Vs. 30 “A sound heart is life to the body, 

But envy is rottenness to the bones.” 

Having a sound heart nourishes one’s own body, giving it life and vitality, all which begins with having good and Godly thoughts and desires towards all. In contrast is the one who only eyes others with envy, these folks darkened hearts only eat away at their own lives.

Vs. 31 “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, 

But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” 

Since God has throughout the Scriptures called us to defend the poor and He has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the promises to those who believe in Him, those who mistreat, abuse, or use the poor are only reproaching Him in the worst way, and so they will repeat just what they have sown! In contrast then is the one whose hearts considers the cause of the poor, and thus who show mercy to them, they indeed then are honoring God and will be honored by Him as well (consider Isaiah 58:6-12; Luke 12:12-14; Matt. 25:31-46; James 2 etc.). 

Vs. 32 “The wicked is banished in his wickedness,  

But the righteous has a refuge in his death.” 

Throughout the Scriptures the wicked are assured of one thing, and that is their eternal banishment from the Presence of the Lord (consider 2 Thess. 1:8-10). Equally then God assures the righteous; that is those who believe and thus who live righteous lives here and now because their trust and faith is in Him; in His Son, that not only will He be their refuge in this life, but they will also have a refuge in their death (consider Psalm 37). 

Vs. 33 “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, 

But what is in the heart of fools is made known.” 

The person who has understanding by default has wisdom in their hearts, for the two are inseparably linked. And so, they know how and when and what to speak and not speak. In contrast whatever is in the heart of a fool is made known. 

Vs. 34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, 

But sin is a reproach to any people.”

This is a universal principal established by God who alone raises up one nation and brings another down. Therefore if any nation wants to be exalted by God, who alone determines the length of their tenure as well as their destinies, righteousness according to His Word is the sole path to it. That said any nation who exalts and justifies sin is sure to bring His reproach upon itself (consider Lev. 18:24-28). 

Vs. 35 “The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, 

But his wrath is against him who causes shame.” 

Any ruler, any leader always has high regard for a wise servant, that is a person who conducts themselves wisely in his service, for they are a representation of his person, name and work. Therefore, his wrath is against those who cause shame, who bring reproach to his name, stature, and or service.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.