Proverbs 14 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
14:1
1. Every wise, c.--literally, "The wisdoms" (compare Pr 9:1) "of women," plural, a distributive form of speech. buildeth ... house--increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.
14:2
2. uprightness--is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Pr 2:15; 3:32) of despising Him and His law.
14:3
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.
14:4
4. crib is clean--empty; so "cleanness of teeth" denotes want of food (compare Am 4:6). Men get the proper fruit of their doings (Ga 6:7).
14:5
5. A faithful witness, c.--one tested to be such. utter lies--or, "breathe out lies"--that is, habitually lies (Pr 6:19; compare Ac 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.
14:6
6. An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking (Pr 8:9; Joh 7:17; Jas 1:5, 6).
14:7
7. Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.
14:8
8. Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.
14:9
9. Fools make a mock at sin--or, "Sin deludes fools." righteous ... favour--that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.
14:10
10. Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.
14:11
11. (Compare Pr 12:7). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.
14:12
12. end thereof--or, "reward," what results (compare Pr 5:4). ways of death--leading to it.
14:13
13. The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.
14:14
14. filled ... ways--receive retribution (Pr 1:31). a good man ... himself--literally, "is away from such," will not associate with him.
14:15
15. The simple ... word--He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Pr 13:16).
14:16
16. (Compare Pr 3:7; 28:14). rageth--acts proudly and conceitedly.
14:17
17. He ... angry--literally, "short of anger" (compare Pr 14:29, opposite idea). man ... hated--that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.
14:18
18. inherit--as a portion (compare Pr 3:35). are crowned--literally, "are surrounded with it," abound in it.
14:19
19. Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.
14:20
20. This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.
14:21
21. For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.
14:22
22. As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative. mercy and truth--that is, God's (Psa 57:3; 61:7).
14:23
23. labour--painful diligence. talk ... penury--idle and vain promises and plans.
14:24
24. (Compare Pr 3:16). foolishness ... folly--Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.
14:25
25. Life often depends on truth-telling. a deceitful ... lies--He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted (Pr 14:5).
14:26
26. The blessings of piety descend to children (Pr 13:22; 20:7; Ex 20:6).
14:27
27. (Compare Pr 13:14). fear of the Lord--or, "law of the wise," is wisdom (Psa 111:10).
14:28
28. The teaching of a true political economy.
14:29
29. slow ... understanding--(Compare Pr 14:17). hasty--(Compare Pr 14:17). exalteth folly--makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.
14:30
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.
14:31
31. reproacheth his Maker--who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Pr 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially 1Sa 2:8; Psa 113:7).
14:32
32. driven--thrust out violently (compare Psa 35:5, 6). hath hope--trusteth (Pr 10:2; 11:4; Psa 2:12), implying assurance of help.
14:33
33. resteth--preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Pr 12:23; 13:16).
14:34
34. Righteousness--just principles and actions. exalteth--raises to honor. is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pr 13:6).
14:35
35. wise--discreet or prudent. causeth shame--(Pr 10:5; 12:4) acts basely.