Proverbs 14 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

14:1

Every wise, etc. — literally, “The wisdoms” (compare Proverbs 9:1) “of women,” plural, a distributive form of speech.

buildeth house — increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.

14:2

uprightness — is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 3:32) of despising Him and His law.

14:3

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

crib is clean — empty; so “cleanness of teeth” denotes want of food (compare Amos 4:6). Men get the proper fruit of their doings (Galatians 6:7).

14:5

A faithful witness, etc. — one tested to be such.

utter lies — or, “breathe out lies” - that is, habitually lies (Proverbs 6:19; compare Acts 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.

14:6

An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking (Proverbs 8:9; John 7:17; James 1:5, James 1:6).

14:7

Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.

14:8

Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.

14:9

Fools make a mock at sin — or, “Sin deludes fools.”

righteous favour — that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.

14:10

Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.

14:11

(Compare Proverbs 12:7). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.

14:12

end thereof — or, “reward,” what results (compare Proverbs 5:4).

ways of death — leading to it.

14:13

The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.

14:14 ways — receive retribution (Proverbs 1:31).

a good man himself — literally, “is away from such,” will not associate with him.

14:15 word — He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Proverbs 13:16).14:16

(Compare Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 28:14).

rageth — acts proudly and conceitedly.

14:17 angry — literally, “short of anger” (compare Proverbs 14:29, opposite idea).

man hated — that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.

14:18

inherit — as a portion (compare Proverbs 3:35).

are crowned — literally, “are surrounded with it,” abound in it.

14:19

Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.

14:20

This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.

14:21

For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.

14:22

As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.

mercy and truth — that is, God‘s (Psalm 57:3; Psalm 61:7).

14:23

labour — painful diligence.

talk penury — idle and vain promises and plans.

14:24

(Compare Proverbs 3:16).

foolishness folly — Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.

14:25

Life often depends on truth-telling.

a deceitful lies — He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted (Proverbs 14:5).

14:26

The blessings of piety descend to children (Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 20:7; Exodus 20:6).

14:27

(Compare Proverbs 13:14).

fear of the Lord — or, “law of the wise,” is wisdom (Psalm 111:10).

14:28

The teaching of a true political economy.

14:29 understanding — (Compare Proverbs 14:17).

hasty — (Compare Proverbs 14:17).

exalteth folly — makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.

14:30

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

reproacheth his Maker — who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Proverbs 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 113:7).

14:32

driven — thrust out violently (compare Psalm 35:5, Psalm 35:6).

hath hope — trusteth (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 11:4; Psalm 2:12), implying assurance of help.

14:33

resteth — preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 13:16).

14:34

Righteousness — just principles and actions.

exalteth — raises to honor.

is a reproach — brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Proverbs 13:6).

14:35

wise — discreet or prudent.

causeth shame — (Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 12:4) acts basely.