United Commentaries

Pr.14.1

Building or tearing down the home is a metaphor for strengthening or weakening one’s family.

Pr.14.2

The path is a metaphor for life and conduct (see 2:13, 20; 3:6; 4:11; 6:23).

fear the Lord: See 1:7.

Pr.14.3

A fool’s word can be used against him.

Pr.14.4

It’s easy to keep a stable . . . clean if it is empty, but a farmer without an ox has no harvest.

Pr.14.5

Honest speech and lies both flow from deep within a person’s character. Cp. 12:17.

Pr.14.9

The godly acknowledge their mistakes and sins, leading to change and reconciliation. Fools defend themselves by making fun of guilt.

Pr.14.10

No one can fully understand the emotions of another (cp. Ps 103:14; Isa 63:9; Nah 1:7; Rom 8:27). Bitterness and joy are at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum; this poetic device of referring to polar opposites (merism) covers the whole range in between.

Pr.14.11

Although a house is typically more stable than a tent, wickedness destroys and tears down, while godliness builds up (14:1).

Pr.14.12

// The right choice is not always the one that seems right on the surface (see Matt 7:13-14).

Pr.14.13

A person’s outward demeanor might not reflect what is in the heart.

Pr.14.14

Backsliders foolishly act against what they know to be good and right and wise.

Pr.14.17

Short-tempered people do not anticipate consequences before expressing anger. Schemers reflect, but they, too, are hated because of the evil that they do.

Pr.14.18

are clothed with foolishness: One’s true nature and heart attitude will eventually show in one’s demeanor.

Pr.14.20

This proverb might commend moderation, having neither too little nor too much (30:7-9).

Pr.14.21

blessed are those who help the poor: See also 3:27-28; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14.

Pr.14.24

This proverb states a general principle, even though fools sometimes have wealth (10:2; 11:18), and poverty is not always the result of foolishness (cp. 13:23; 16:8).

Pr.14.28

The well-being and growth of the people, not wealth or military victory, are the true signs of a king’s success.

Pr.14.29

Wise people can control their emotions and express them appropriately.

Pr.14.30

A peaceful heart has resolved its inner tensions. Freedom from jealousy is beneficial to physical health.

Pr.14.31

Wise people help the poor (cp. 11:24-26; 28:27; see Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:11; 24:10-15; Isa 3:14-15; Jer 2:34; see also Jas 2:1-13).

insult their Maker: See also Prov 17:5.

Pr.14.32

Proverbs infrequently hints at life after death. Some scholars think this verse refers to God’s granting courage to face death with dignity and serenity.

Pr.14.34

A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories (14:28) but by godliness.