THE WAY OF WISDOM PROVERBS 14:1-35 - Bible Study...

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THE WAY OF WISDOM

PROVERBS 14:1-35



The Way of Wisdom

Text:

Proverbs 14:1-35,

1 The wise woman builds her house,

but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD,

but he whose ways are devious despises him.

3 A fool’s talk 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 from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

5 A truthful witness does not deceive,

but a false witness pours out lies.

6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,

but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a foolish man,

for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,

but the folly of fools is deception.

9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,

but goodwill is found among the upright.

10

Each heart knows its own bitterness,

and no one else can share 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 in the end it leads to death.

13

Even in laughter the heart may ache,

and joy may end in grief.

14

The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,

and the good man rewarded for his.

15

A simple man believes anything,

but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

16

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil,

but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

17

A quick-tempered man does foolish things,

and a crafty man is hated.

18

The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19

Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,

but the rich have many friends.

21

He who despises his neighbor sins,

but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

22

Do not those who plot evil go astray?

But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.



23

All hard work brings a profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24

The wealth of the wise is their crown,

but the folly of fools yields folly.

25

A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is deceitful.

26

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,

and for his children it will be a 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 glory,

but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29

A patient man has great understanding,

but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

30

A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones.

31

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,

but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,

but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

33

Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning

and even among fools she lets herself be known.

34

Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a disgrace to any people.



35

A king delights in a wise servant,

but a shameful servant incurs his wrath. (NIV 1984)

Introduction:

I. “The first twenty-seven proverbs of Chapter 14 are designed to help

one find the path of wisdom and stay on it,” Smith well wrote.

II. Verses 18 and 35 are royal proverbs while the intervening verses,

although individually applicable, may be intended as special advice for

kings, Smith further wrote.

Commentary:

Note: Verses 1-7 teach that people who pursue wisdom find joy, and

those who don’t experience sadness. (Smith)

Proverbs 14:1, The wise woman builds her house, but with her own

hands the foolish one tears hers down. (NIV 1984)

I. The wise woman builds her house,…

A. The wise woman concentrates on being a positive influence on

her family, teaching them by word and example the way of the

Lord.

1. Sarah built up the house of Israel.

2. Jochebed, mother of Moses, certainly built her house

(McGee)

B. “A woman who practices wisdom establishes a morally solid

household,” Bland wrote.

1. Proverbs 9:1, Wisdom has built her house; she has

hewn out its seven pillars. (NIV 1984)



2. Proverbs 31:10-31, A wife of noble character who can

find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has

full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She

brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She

selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is

like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She

gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her

family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a

field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a

vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms

are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is

profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her

hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her

fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her

hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for

her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She

makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen

and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She

makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the

merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and

dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks

with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does

not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call

her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many

women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman

who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward

she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the

city gate. (NIV 1984)



3. Proverbs 1:20, Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she

raises her voice in the public squares; (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her

husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in

his bones. (NIV 1984)

5. Proverbs 24:3, By wisdom a house is built, and

through understanding it is established; (NIV 1984)

C. The wise woman loves her husband and children, acts in all

respects for the benefit of her family, is a strong team player, is

industrious, kind, considerate, etc.

1. “A good wife is the saving of a house.” (The Pulpit

Commentary)

II. but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

A. The foolish woman exerts a negative influence on her family,

teaching them by word and example the way of selfishness and

destruction of the home.

1. Proverbs 27:15-16, A quarrelsome wife is like a

constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like

restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. (NIV

1984)

2. Moral character or lack thereof reflects one’s standing

before the Lord. (See Bland.)

3. McGee cited Athaliah as such a foolish person.

a. 2 Chronicles 22:2-3, Ahaziah was twenty-two

years old when he became king, and he reigned in

Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was

Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. He too walked



in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother

encouraged him in doing wrong. (NIV 1984)

B. Making derogatory remarks about one’s husband or wife or

sowing discord at home is something a fool would do. (See

Coffman.)

C. “Foolish, unprincipled women, by their bad management or

their evil doings, ruin their families materially and morally.” (The

Pulpit Commentary)

1. You may know of some women who fit this description.

Proverbs 14:2, He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he

whose ways are devious despises him. (NIV 1984)

I. He whose walk is upright fears the Lord,…

A. A righteous and godly life evidences to all that such a person

fears, respects and honors the Lord.

1. Our lives reveal our relationship or lack thereof with God.

(See McGee)

2. 1 John 2:6, Whoever claims to live in him must walk as

Jesus did. (NIV 1984)

3. Obedience to the Lord is absolutely essential to being

right with God. (See McGee)

a. 1 Samuel 15:22, But Samuel replied: “Does the

LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as

much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey

is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the

fat of rams. (NIV 1984)

II. but he whose ways are devious despises him.



A. A devious, sinful life makes it clear that such a person despises

the Lord.

1. “Wickedness is proof that a person has lost all reverence

for God and concern about pleasing Him, “ Smith wrote. The

pulpit Commentary concurs.

2. John 3:19, This is the verdict: Light has come into the

world, but men loved darkness instead of light because

their deeds were evil. (NIV 1984)

B. The Vulgate renders this passage, “He who walks in the right

way and fears the Lord is despised by him who pursues the path of

shame.” (The Pulpit Commentary)

1. On occasion and in some circumstances sinners hate the

righteous.

a. Job 12:4, “I have become a laughingstock to my

friends, though I called upon God and he

answered— a mere laughingstock, though righteous

and blameless! (NIV 1984)

b. John 15:18-21, “If the world hates you, keep in

mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the

world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do

not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of

the world. That is why the world hates you.

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is

greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they

will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching,

they will obey yours also. They will treat you this

way because of my name, for they do not know the

One who sent me. (NIV 1984)



Note: The remarkable differences among various versions in the

renderings of some of the Proverbs attest to the difficulties involved in

determining their correct meanings. The original wordings, meanings of

some of the proverbs appear obscure.

Proverbs 14:3, A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of

the wise protect them. (NIV 1984)

I. A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,…

A. Flogging, caning was a frequently used punishment in

Solomon’s day.

B. The fool is sometimes so offensive in his speech that he is

sentenced to be flogged!

1. Slander still brings punishment to those foolish enough to

be guilty of legal violation of another’s reputation.

C. The Bible has much to say about sinful, foolish talk and

everywhere condemns it.

1. Psalm 57:4, I am in the midst of lions; I lie among

ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and

arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. (NIV 1984)

2. Psalm 63:3, Because your love is better than life, my

lips will glorify you. (NIV 1984)

3. Jeremiah 18:18, They said, “Come, let’s make plans

against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest

will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the

word from the prophets. So come, let’s attack him with

our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.”

(NIV 1984)



D. Goliath’s foolish talk brought a rock to his head! (McGee)

1. 1 Samuel 17:43-44, He said to David, “Am I a dog, that

you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed

David by his gods. 44

“Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give

your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the

field!” (NIV 1984)

II. but the lips of the wise protect them.

A. The speech of the wise promotes peace and good will among

men as they speak courteously with a view to avoiding potential

harm to others. (See Smith and The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be

acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 13:3, He who guards his lips guards his life,

but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 12:6, 18, The words of the wicked lie in wait

for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. 18

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the

wise brings healing. (NIV 1984)

B. David’s speech contrasts sharply with Goliath’s speech. (See

McGee.)

1. 1 Samuel 17:45, David said to the Philistine, “You come

against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come

against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God

of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (NIV

1984)



Proverbs 14:4, Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but

from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. (NIV 1984)

I. Where there are no oxen (cattle), the manger (crib) is empty,…

A. No industry on the farm means no production, no profit.

1. Oxen were most valuable animals on the farm, but they did

require feeding and cleaning.

2. The person who was too lazy to care for the ox wouldn’t

have to clean the manger, but he would have to do without

the ox’s work. (See McGee.)

B. Oxen were essential to harvesting grain. If a farmer had no

oxen he would have no crop. (See Bland.)

C. A farmer who is not doing anything can keep a very neat barn!

(See Coffman.)

D. The Pulpit Commentary gives the meaning of this passage as,

“Without bullocks to labour in the fields, or cows to supply milk –

that is, without toil and industry, and necessary instruments – the

crib is empty, there is nothing to put in the granary, there are no

beasts to fatten.”

II. but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

A. A busy farm with working people and animals produces an

abundant harvest.

1. Proverbs 12:11, He who works his land will have

abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks

judgment. (NIV 1984)



B. The LXX reads, “Where fruits are plentiful the strength of the

ox is manifest.”

Proverbs 19:5, A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false

witness pours out lies. (NIV 1984)

I. A truthful witness does not deceive,…

A. A really truthful witness cannot be enticed to lie, deceive by

threats or bribery, Smith wrote. The Pulpit Commentary concurs.

B. How honest are you, totally or reasonably?

1. McGee reminds us that Jesus Christ is called the faithful

and true witness.

C. Truly honest people do not lie! (See Coffman.)

II. but a false witness pours (breathes) out lies.

A. “'A false witness breathes forth lies, ' i.e., lies pour out of his

mouth like breath from the nostrils,” Smith wrote.

1. Proverbs 6: 16, 19, There are six things the LORD

hates, seven that are detestable to him: 19

a false witness

who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension

among brothers. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 14:25, A truthful witness saves lives, but a

false witness is deceitful. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 19:5, A false witness will not go unpunished,

and he who pours out lies will not go free. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 19:6, The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but

knowledge comes easily to the discerning. (NIV 1984)



I. The mocker (scorner) seeks wisdom and finds none,…

A. Smith wrote that a mocker cannot find wisdom because he does

not fear the Lord.

1. Psalm 25:9, He guides the humble in what is right and

teaches them his way. (NIV 1984)

2. Psalm 111:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning

of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good

understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV

1984)

3. “True wisdom is not to be attained by those who are too

conceited to receive instruction, who presume to depend

upon their own judgment, and who weigh everything by their

own standard,” Smith wrote.

B. “Habitual cynicism and arrogance characterize” the mocker, the

fool, who seeks wisdom but does not have the humility to acquire

it, Bland wrote.

1. Wisdom may not be accessible to everyone, Bland

advised.

2. Proverbs 9:7-12, “Whoever corrects a mocker invites

insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do

not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise

man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will

be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his

learning. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of

wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is

understanding. For through me your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your



wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone

will suffer.” (NIV 1984)

C. Coffman wrote, “The scoffer, the vain and wicked man who

recognizes no authority, not even the supreme authority of God’s

word, will never acquire any real wisdom and understanding.”

1. Clarke identifies the mocker, scorner as a person who

despises the counsel of God, the infidel.

2. The scoffers seek wisdom but can’t find it because they

seek for it where it does not exist; that is, apart from the Lord

God and his will and Word. (See Clarke.)

II. but knowledge comes easily to the discerning (to him that

understands).

A. People who discern, understands that the fear of the God is a

necessary precondition for achieving wisdom easily achieve

knowledge.

1. Deuteronomy 30:14, No, the word is very near you; it is

in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (NIV

1984)

Proverbs 14:7, Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find

knowledge on his lips. (NIV 1984)

I. Stay away from a foolish man,…

A. Stay away from the foolish person because foolishness is

contagious!

1. Psalm 1:1-2, Blessed is the man who does not walk in

the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or

sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of



the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

(NIV 1984)

2. 1 Corinthians 15:33, Do not be misled: “Bad company

corrupts good character.” (NIV 1984)

B. “Stay away from foolish people; they have nothing to teach

you.” (Good News Bible via Coffman)

C. Clarke expressed the principle as follows: “Never associate

with a vain, empty fellow, when you perceive he can neither

convey nor receive instruction.”

1. The Pulpit Commentary advises the wise to stay away

from the foolish man when it is understood that the wise can

do him no good.

II. for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

A. Another reason for staying away from the foolish person is that

he has nothing of value to teach you.

1.Proverbs 20:15, Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,

but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (NIV

1984)

B. Don’t become a student in the fool’s school!

Proverbs 14:8, The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their

ways, but the folly of fools is deception. (NIV 1984)

I. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,…

A. The prudent person gives careful consideration to his conduct,

ways and chooses the honorable, right, wise conduct.



1. Ephesians 5:15-16, Be very careful, then, how you

live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every

opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV 1984)

2. The prudent person considers his actions, the motives

producing the actions and the outcome of his actions.

3. Bland wrote, “Wisdom gives individuals the ability to see

their way more clearly through life’s experiences and

decisions.”

4. The prudent man knows himself and has a clear view of

his purpose and goals in life.

II. but the folly of fools is deception (deceit).

A. Fools are deceived and blunder along from one error to another.

B. Fools deceive others, cheat others. (The Pulpit Commentary)

Note: Smith stated that what is said in verse 8 is illustrated by the

proverbs in verses 9-19.

C. Coffman, quoting Albert Barnes, added, “The fool, on the other

hand, whose specialty is that of deceiving others, is led astray,

because he has deceived himself.”

Proverbs 14:9, Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is

found among the upright. (NIV 1984)

I. Fools mock at making amends for sin,…

A. Fools are set in their wicked ways and have no intention to

repent, make amends for their sins.



1. Only fools would mock at sin which leads to eternal hell

fire.

a. Proverbs 10:23, A fool finds pleasure in evil

conduct, but a man of understanding delights in

wisdom. (NIV 1984)

2. Sin is a serious thing, nothing to be taken lightly, no

joking matter.

3. Fools mock at sin, treat it as a joking matter, regard it as a

matter of little importance.

4. McGee pointed to Jezebel as just such a mocker.

B. “The sin-offering of fools mocks them,” this passage can be

rendered.

1. Proverbs 15:8, The LORD detests the sacrifice of the

wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. (NIV

1984)

2. “A person cannot win God’s favor by ceremonial

observances”, The Pulpit Commentary states.

a. Proverbs 21:27, The sacrifice of the wicked is

detestable—how much more so when brought with

evil intent! (NIV 1984)

II. but goodwill (favor) is found among the upright.

A. Inversely, the upright are people of good will and good

intentions, who receive God’s favor and do God’s will when they

present their free-will vows and thanksgiving. (See The Pulpit

Commentary.)



Proverbs 14:10, Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one

else can share its joy. (NIV 1984)

I. Each heart knows its own bitterness,…

A. No other person can fully understand the deepest sorrow nor

greatest joy in a person’s heart, his mind, his inner self. (See

Bland.)

B. We can share another’s joys and sorrows, but we may not be

able to experience them fully. (See Smith.)

1. “Some experiences can never be understood by or

communicated to others,” Bland wrote.

2. “Only the Lord knows a person’s deepest feeling,” Bland

further wrote.

a. Proverbs 15:11, Death and Destruction lie open

before the LORD—how much more the hearts of

men! (NIV 1984)

b. Proverbs 17:3, The crucible for silver and the

furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

(NIV 1984)

c. Proverbs 21:2, All a man’s ways seem right to

him, but the LORD weighs the heart. (NIV 1984)

d. Only Jesus bore our sorrows and was tempted in all

points as we are, and has returned to heaven to present

our needs to the Father. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

3. Quoting the Keil-Delitzsch Commentary on the Old

Testament, Coffman concurs, “Every human being is a little

world to self alone, a world which only God sees and



understands.” The “not fitting” and “not good” parables are

similar, related. (See Bland.)

a. 1 Corinthians 2:11, For who among men knows

the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within

him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of

God except the Spirit of God. (NIV 1984)

II. and no one else can share its joy.

A. No one can fully experience the full joys and sorrows of

another, cannot know exactly how they feel.

B. Clarke reminded us that when the peace of God comes into the

heart of a troubled soul, it brings indescribable joy.

C. “There are some things we can share with others, and there are

some things we cannot share,” McGee wrote.

Proverbs 14:11, The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the

tent of the upright will flourish. (NIV 1984)

I. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, overthrown,…

A. Proverbs 14:11 expresses the perpetual theme of Proverbs: The

good prosper; the wicked fail and suffer. (Coffman)

B. Wickedness has within it the seeds of destruction.

C. No matter how much the wicked try to build a glorious mansion

for themselves, their houses, life’s work, will be absolutely

destroyed, come to rot and ruin, amount to absolutely nothing.



1. Proverbs 12:7, Wicked men are overthrown and are

no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV

1984)

II. but the tent of the upright will flourish.

A. “Good men do their duty in life. They try to please God, and

treat their neighbors right. The result is that God prospers them

beyond all that they thought or hoped.” (Smith)

1. Proverbs 12:7, Wicked men are overthrown and are

no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV

1984)

B. The righteous must understand that the devil delights in

afflicting the godly.

1. Remember Job?

2. Acts 14:22, strengthening the disciples and encouraging

them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through

many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

(NIV 1984)

C. This principle is totally fulfilled in the eternal world and

imperfectly in this life. (See Coffman.)

Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the

end it leads to death. (NIV 1984)

I. There is a way that seems right to a man,…

A. There are many ways that seem right which are in fact very

wrong.



1. This verse is repeated in Proverbs 16:25, There is a way

that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

(NIV 1984)

2. If conscience were a reliable guide, what seems right

would be right.

B. “God rewards those who choose the right path, but he punishes

those who deliberately choose another way,” Bland wrote.

C. In life’s success or failure, choices are crucial!

1. It is so easy to be misled and make harmful decisions,

choices. (See Bland.)

2. Life is complex, often a puzzle, and things are not always

as they seem. (See Bland.)

a. This certainly causes wise decision making to be

extremely difficult on occasion.

D. Religious history of persecution, executions, wars and violence

by “sincere” people show how true this parable really is!

II. but in the end it leads to death.

A. Too late we learn that the way which seems right is dreadfully

wrong and leads to death, an early grave. (See Smith.)

B. Smith stated, “… there are many bypaths which lead to death,

as compared to one straight high road that leads to life more

abundant.”

C. Many people, thinking they are on the right way to heaven, will

be astounded at their judgment day decree, destiny. (See

Coffman.)



1. Proverbs 5:5, Her feet go down to death; her steps lead

straight to the grave. (NIV 1984)

2. Romans 1:28, Furthermore, since they did not think it

worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them

over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

(NIV 1984)

3. I Timothy 4:2, Such teachings come through

hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as

with a hot iron. (NIV 1984)

D. It is absolutely essential that we place ourselves in the way that

leads to life!

1. John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the

truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except

through me. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:13, Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may

end in grief. (NIV 1984)

I. Even in laughter the heart may ache,…

A. “Outward mirth often masks hidden sorrows,” Smith wrote.

B. “Many a time is a smile forced upon the face, when the heart is

in deep distress,” Clarke wrote.

II. and joy may end in grief.

A. Sorrow often follows joy. (See Smith.)

B. Coffman wrote, “There is sometimes a heavy and disconsolate

heart that disguises its sorrow by a show of joy and laughter.”



C. “It is hard to put on a face of mirth, when a man has a heavy

heart,” Clarke concluded.

D. The Pulpit Commentary observed that. “In this mortal life joy

and sorrow are strangely intermingled; sorrow follows closely on

the steps of joy…”

1. Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they

will be comforted. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:14, The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and

the good man rewarded for his. (NIV 1984)

I. The faithless (backslider in heart) will be fully repaid for their

ways,…

A. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. He that

sows to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. (See

Galatians 6:8.)

1. Proverbs 1:31, they will eat the fruit of their ways and

be filled with the fruit of their schemes. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of his lips a man is

filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands

rewards him. (NIV 1984)

B. “He who falls away from God in his heart shall be filled with

his own ways,” Coffman wrote quoting Albert Barnes.

C. The once faithful disciple who has slidden back into sin will be

fully repaid for his digression by the wrath of God.

1. Backsliding begins with, in heart.



a. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

and the person acts.

II. and the good man rewarded for his.

A. He that sows to the spirit shall of the spirit reap everlasting

life. (See Galatians 6:8.)

1. Isaiah 3:10, Tell the righteous it will be well with them,

for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. (NIV 1984)

B. “The good man shall be filled with that which belongs to him,”

Coffman wrote quoting Albert Barnes.

C. The good man is a person whose heart is right with God and

whose life is righteous.

1. For his godliness the Lord will rewards him generously,

liberally.

2. Psalm 44:18, Our hearts had not turned back; our feet

had not strayed from your path. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:15, A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man

gives thought to his steps. (NIV 1984)

I. A simple man believes anything,…

A. “A simple man is gullible. Having no fixed principles of his

own, he is at the mercy of any advisor, and is easily led astray,”

Smith wrote.

1. Proverbs 1:22, “How long will you simple ones love

your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in

mockery and fools hate knowledge? (NIV 1984)



B. Pity the simpleton who believes everything he hears at work,

reads in the newspapers and, yes, hears from the pulpits of the

land. (Coffman)

II. but the prudent man gives thought to his steps.

A. “A prudent man, on the other hand, brings understanding to his

step. He investigates, plans, evaluates and weighs options. He

looks before he leaps,” Smith further wrote.

B. The wise man “weights with the utmost care and attention the

messages that are continually being shouted at him from all

directions,” Coffman wrote.

C. The wise man acts deliberately considering the effects of his

decisions and actions.

1. Proverbs 13:13, He who scorns instruction will pay for

it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. (NIV

1984)

D. Christians, as did the apostles, ask all manner of questions and

search the scriptures daily to determine if what they are being

taught is true. (See McGee.)

1. Christians are not gullible, credulous.

2. Acts 17:11, Now the Bereans were of more noble

character than the Thessalonians, for they received the

message with great eagerness and examined the

Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

(NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:16, A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a

fool is hotheaded and reckless. (NIV 1984)



I. A wise man (exercises caution) fears the Lord and shuns evil,…

A. A wise person fears the Lord, respects the right, avoid evil, and

acts patiently with thoughtful consideration.

1. Proverbs 22:3, A prudent man sees danger and takes

refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (NIV

1984)

2. Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the

LORD and shun evil. (NIV 1984)

B. Bland wrote the meaning here is that the wise are cautious of

hidden danger.

C. Other renderings of this passage include, “The wise man guards

himself anxiously against evil…” and “The wise man is cautious

and avoids misfortune,…” (Coffman quoting Frankenberg and

Toy)

D. A wise man most certainly fears and exercises caution in

regard to Almighty God and shuns the evil that can destroy his soul

in hell!

II. but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

A. “The fool behaves impulsively,” lacks self-control and quickly

find himself in trouble. (See Smith.)

1. “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”

2. Proverbs 22:3, A prudent man sees danger and takes

refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (NIV

1984)



3. “… the fool is arrogant and confident,” Coffman wrote

quoting Frankenberg and Toy.

4. Proverbs 21:24, The proud and arrogant man—

“Mocker” is his name; he behaves with overweening

pride. (NIV 1984)

5. Proverbs 28:26, He who trusts in himself is a fool, but

he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (NIV 1984)

6. Isaiah 30:15, This is what the Sovereign LORD, the

Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your

salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you

would have none of it. (NIV 1984)

7. Proverbs 26:17, Like one who seizes a dog by the ears

is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. (NIV

1984)

8. Psalms 78:21, 59, 62, When the LORD heard them, he

was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his

wrath rose against Israel, 59

When God heard them, he as

very angry; he rejected Israel completely. 62

He gave his

people over to the sword; he was very angry with his

inheritance. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a

crafty man is hated. (NIV 1984)

I. A quick-tempered man does foolish things,…

A. The hotheaded, quick-tempered fool acts stupidity, without

thinking to his own injury and to the harm of others as well.

B. Clarke wrote that such a person “speaks like a fool, and acts like

a madman.”



II. and a crafty man (of wicked schemes) is hated.

A. In contrast with the hotheaded blunderer just discussed, the

person here is a calculating, scheming, wicked person.

B. Smith wrote that this proverb contrasts hasty anger which leads

to folly with deliberate malice which provokes hatred.

C. This second line re-enforces, intensifies, emphasizes what is

said in line one. (See Bland.)

1. The quick-tempered person acts without thinking.

2. The crafty man acts maliciously which is even worse.

Proverbs 14:18, The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are

crowned with knowledge. (NIV 1984)

I. The simple inherit folly, …

A. Moral stupidity produces foolishness: Lack of wisdom causes

these thoughtless ones to do what is foolish. (See Smith.)

1. Such folly is their due, their expectation, their inheritance.

II. but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

A. Knowledge (wisdom) honors and adorns the prudent person.

(Smith)

1. Knowledge / wisdom adorns and enhances character and

standing. (Smith)

2. The wise seek and acquire knowledge which serves as a

glorious crown in their lives.



Proverbs 14:19, Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,

and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (NIV 1984)

I. Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,…

A. “The final victory of good over evil is here set forth,” Smith

wrote.

1. Proverbs 8:34, Blessed is the man who listens to me,

watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

(NIV 1984)

B. “Goodness triumphs over evil” is a principle that is paramount

in the book of Job and which was strongly advocated by Job’s

friends, Coffman wrote.

C. The dominance of evil over good is temporary and this principle

is illustrated by the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus.

1. Luke 16:19-31, “There was a rich man who was dressed

in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At

his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with

sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s

table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time

came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to

Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw

Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called

to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send

Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my

tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham

replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you

received your good things, while Lazarus received bad



things, but now he is comforted here and you are in

agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great

chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from

here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there

to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send

Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers.

Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this

place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses

and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father

Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to

them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not

listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be

convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (NIV

1984)

II. and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

A. One day the wicked will admit their defeat.

B. The absolute certainly of the ultimate victory of good over evil

is a fundamental biblical doctrine. (See Smith.)

C. The wicked will be humbled. The righteous will be honored.

Note: “Wisdom recognizes that there is nothing which is causeless and

unaccounted for in life. Applying this principle in personal and social

situations is the burden of the next series of proverbs.” Smith wrote.

Proverbs 14:20, The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but

the rich have many friends. (NIV 1984)

I. The poor are shunned (hated) even by their neighbors,…



A. Neighbors here are casual acquaintances who shun the poor

who are regarded as burdens and/or below their social class. (See

Smith.)

B. Coffman wrote that this is certainly not the way things should

be, but rather the way things are because of the sinfulness of

mankind.

1. Proverbs 19:4, Wealth brings many friends, but a poor

man’s friend deserts him. (NIV 1984)

C. In our impersonal world we may not even know our neighbors.

II. but the rich have many friends.

A. The rich, who can bestow favors on others, have many who

want to be their “friends.”

B. “The rich have many friends; however, the rich can be deceived

into thinking they have genuine friends, when such friends love

them only for their money,” Bland wrote.

Proverbs 14:21, He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he

who is kind to the needy (NIV 1984)

I. He who despises his neighbor sins,…

A. We are to respect our neighbors and show them kindness,

regardless of their social and financial positions.

1. To do otherwise is to sin!

a. Leviticus 19:18, “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a

grudge against one of your people, but love your

neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (NIV 1984)



2. “It is unjust and wicked to despise (a person) for what is

not his fault,” Clarke wrote.

3. The teaching of Jesus on this subject can be seen in the

parable of the Good Samaritan.

a. Luke 10:25-37, On one occasion an expert in the

law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,

“what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is

written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read

it?” He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with

all your heart and with all your soul and with all

your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love

your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered

correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,

“And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A

man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho,

when he fell into the hands of robbers. They

stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away,

leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going

down the same road, and when he saw the man, he

passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when

he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the

other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came

where the man was; and when he saw him, he took

pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his

wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the

man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took

care of him. The next day he took out two silver

coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after



him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse

you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of

these three do you think was a neighbor to the man

who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in

the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

(NIV 1984)

B. McGee asked, “How do you feel toward those who can do

nothing for you in return? Do you do something for them?”

II. but blessed is he who is kind (shows mercy) to the needy.

A. The God of mercy and kindness blesses those who are kind to

the poor and needy.

1. Matthew 5:7, Blessed are the merciful, for they will be

shown mercy. (NIV 1984)

2. Acts 20:35, In everything I did, I showed you that by

this kind of hard work we must help the weak,

remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is

more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (NIV 1984)

3. 2 Corinthians 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord

Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes

he became poor, so that you through his poverty might

become rich. NIV1984)

4. Other needy people bless, respect the kind, benevolent

person.

B. Christians are taught in Scripture to respect and provide for the

poor and needy.



Proverbs 14:22, Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who

plan what is good find love and faithfulness. (NIV 1984)

I. Do not those who plot evil go astray? (…from the way of life?)

(Smith)

A. This is clearly obvious: Those who scheme and plot evil most

definitely depart from the right way of the Lord…

1. But how many on Sunday morning sing, “Oh, How I Love

Jesus,” while living for the devil during the week?

2. Proverbs 3:29-30, Do not plot harm against your

neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse a

man for no reason—when he has done you no harm. (NIV

1984)

II. But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness (mercy

and truth).

A. If you want to receive love and faithfulness in your life, plan

and do what is good.

B. Smith wrote, “Those who work for the welfare of the

community are appreciated, honored and respected.”

C. “Love and faithfulness” are paired in Proverbs in several verses.

1. Proverbs 3:3, Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of

your heart. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is

atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids

evil. (NIV 1984)



3. Proverbs 20:28, Love and faithfulness keep a king

safe; through love his throne is made secure. (NIV 1984)

4. Psalm 61:7, May he be enthroned in God’s presence

forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect

him. (NIV 1984)

5. I Timothy 1:2, To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ

Jesus our Lord. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:23, All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads

only to poverty. (NIV 1984)

I. All hard work (labor) brings a profit, …

A. “Hard work may be painful, but however difficult the work and

small the remuneration, some advantage is derived from honest

labor,” Smith wrote.

1. Proverbs 10:22, The blessing of the LORD brings

wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead to profit

as surely as haste leads to poverty. (NIV 1984)

B. “This proverb contrasts the talker with the worker,” Coffman

wrote.

II. but more talk leads only to poverty (penury).

A. “Idle talk accomplishes nothing and leads to poverty,” Smith

wrote.

B. “Less talk and more work” is advised here, Clarke observed.



1. Clarke also wrote, “A man of words is seldom a man of

deeds.”

2. Matthew 6:7, And when you pray, do not keep on

babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard

because of their many words. (NIV 1984)

3. Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord,

Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who

does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (NIV 1984)

C. McGee wrote, “Some people just talk; they don’t do. People

can almost be classified as either talking people or doing people.”

1. Which are you?

Proverbs 14:24, The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly

of fools yields folly. (NIV)

I. The wealth of the wise is their crown,…

A. Smith wrote, “The wisdom which crowns the life of the

righteous is the only riches which they crave.”

B. There is a sense in which the wealth of the financially

successful is their crown, honor, worthy achievement.

1. Solomon with all his wealth would be expected to hold this

view.

C. The Pulpit Commentary states, “Riches are an ornament to a

wise man; they enhance and set off his wisdom in the eyes of

others, enable him to use it to advantage, and are not the snare

which they might be because they are employed religiously and

profitably for the good of others.”



1. Ecclesiastes 7:11, Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a

good thing and benefits those who see the sun. (NIV 1984)

D. McGee wrote, “The riches here are not necessarily material

riches. There are a great many happy people who are rich, not in

the things of this life, but in those things that are spiritual. That is

the most important of all.”

II. but the folly of fools yields folly.

A. Nothing but more folly can be expected from fools!

1. “The fool, from his foolishness, produces acts of folly,”

Clarke wrote.

Proverbs 14:25, A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is

deceitful. (NIV 1984)

I. A truthful witness saves lives, (by delivering the innocent of false

charges) (Smith),…

A. “The witness has it in his power to save or murder either life or

reputation,” Coffman wrote quoting the New Bible Commentary

Revised.

1. Proverbs 14:5, A truthful witness does not deceive, but

a false witness pours out lies. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 12:17, A truthful witness gives honest

testimony, but a false witness tells lies. (NIV 1984)

II. but a false witness is deceitful (speaks lies).

A. Innocent people suffer by the false witnessing of deceitful

people who have little or no hesitation to perjure themselves.



1. Revelation 21:8, But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the

vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who

practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their

place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the

second death.” (NIV 1984)

2. False witnesses by their lying testimony can commit

murder.

a. Murder can be committed by gun, knife, poison and

yes, with a person’s mouth!

Proverbs 14:26, He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and

for his children it will be a refuge. (NIV 1984)

I. He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress (strong confidence),…

A. Romans 8:31, What, then, shall we say in response to this?

If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV 1984)

B. He who does right by the Lord has nothing to fear from

mankind!

1. The “fear of the Lord” is more of an action than an

emotion, Bland wrote.

2. Psalm 27:1, The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my

life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV 1984)

3. Romans 8:31, What, then, shall we say in response to

this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV 1984)

C. The fear of the Lord is of crucial importance.



1. Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of

knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NIV

1984)

2. Proverbs 10:27, The fear of the LORD adds length to

life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 14:2, 22, He whose walk is upright fears the

LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him. 22

Do

not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan

what is good find love and faithfulness. (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is

atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids

evil. (NIV 1984)

D. “The fear of God is highly consistent with the strongest

confidence in his mercy and goodness,” Clarke wrote.

II. and for his children it will be a refuge.

A. Exodus 20:5-6, You shall not bow down to them or worship

them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing

the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth

generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a

thousand generations of those who love me and keep my

commandments. (NIV 1984)

B. Parental fear of the Lord provides a refuge for their children

who come to share the fear of the Lord.

1. Psalms 36:1, An oracle is within my heart concerning

the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God

before his eyes. (NIV 1984)

2. Psalms 73:15, If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would

have betrayed your children. (NIV 1984)



3. Hosea 11:1, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and

out of Egypt I called my son.” (NIV 1984)

4. Exodus 20:6, but showing love to a thousand

generations of those who love me and keep my

commandments. (NIV 1984)

5. Psalms 103:17, But from everlasting to everlasting the

LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his

righteousness with their children’s children— (NIV 1984)

6. Proverbs 20:7, The righteous man leads a blameless

life; blessed are his children after him. (NIV 1984)

7. Proverbs 20:7, The righteous man leads a blameless

life; blessed are his children after him. (NIV 1984)

8. Genesis 17:7, I will establish my covenant as an

everlasting covenant between me and you and your

descendants after you for the generations to come, to be

your God and the God of your descendants after you.

(NIV 1984)

9. Exodus 34:6-7, And he passed in front of Moses,

proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate

and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and

faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving

wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the

guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their

children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth

generation.” (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 14:27, The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning

a man from the snares of death. (NIV 1984)

I. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,…



A. Proverbs 13:14, The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

turning a man from the snares of death. (NIV 1984)

B. Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the

wellspring of life. (NIV 1984)

C. Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers

over all wrongs. (NIV 1984)

D. The fear of the Lord is the source of life.

II. turning a man from the snares of death.

A. The fear of the Lord leads to heaven and turns a person from sin

with all its deadly snares, pitfalls.

B. Sin produces dangers and troubles in this life and eternal

punishment in the world to come.

C. The fear of the Lord is the source of life, the only way to avoid

the traps of death.

Note: “Verses 28 and 35 are royal proverbs. The intervening verses,

although individually applicable, may be intended as special advice for

kings,” Smith wrote.

Proverbs 14:28, A large population is a king’s glory, but without

subjects a prince is ruined. (NIV 1984)

I. A large population (a multitude of people) is a king’s glory,…

A. The larger the number of people who pledge loyalty to a given

king, the more glorious and honored the king becomes.

B. The Pulpit Commentary states, “A happy and numerous people,

dwelling securely and increasing in numbers was a better honor for



a king and more to be desired” than war and conquest, in

Solomon’s view.

1. 1 Kings 4:20, The people of Judah and Israel were as

numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they

drank and they were happy. (NIV 1984)

II. but without subjects a prince is ruined.

A. A king with few subjects is weak, subject to attack, defeat and

destruction, little regarded by his peers.

Proverbs 14:29, A patient man has great understanding, but a

quick-tempered man displays folly. (NIV 1984)

I. A patient man (he who is slow to anger) has great understanding,…

A. A man with a “cool head”, slow to take offense, full of patience,

has great understanding. (Smith)

B. Great damage results from unrestrained emotions, Bland wrote.

C. The LXX via Coffman reads, “A meek spirited man is a healer

of the heart, but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.”

D. “A man’s prudence and wisdom are displayed by his being slow

to take offense and being patient under injury.” (See The Pulpit

Commentary.)

II. but a quick-tempered (hasty) man displays (exalts) folly.

A. The hot-headed person who acts without thinking acts foolishly,

and poses a grave danger for all who associate with him.



B. Coffman wrote that these quick-tempered people may become

violent upon the most trivial of excuses.

C. A person who has a hasty spirit is one who is easily irritated

which causes him to act foolishly. (See Clarke.)

1. Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered man does foolish

things, and a crafty man is hated. (NIV 1984)

2. Ephesians 4:2, Be completely humble and gentle; be

patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 13:16, Every prudent man acts out of

knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge

to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV

1984)

Proverbs 14:30, A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy

rots the bones. (NIV 1984)

I. A (sound, healthy) heart (mind, inner thoughts) at peace gives life to

the body,…

A. There is definitely a direct connection between emotional and

physical health.

1. Bland wrote of “the physical consequences of uncontrolled

feelings.”

2. “A heart at peace,” Bland wrote, is better rendered “a

healthy mind.”



3. “A healthy mind brings healing to the whole body” while

“uncontrolled passions can destroy the body as quickly as a

deadly disease! (Bland)

B. There is also a direct connection between a quiet and tranquil

life lived in all godliness and honesty and spiritual health.

1. 1 Timothy 2:2, for kings and all those in authority, that

we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and

holiness. (NIV 1984)

2. 1 Peter 3:4, Instead, it should be that of your inner self,

the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is

of great worth in God’s sight. (NIV 1984)

3. Acts 19:36, Therefore, since these facts are undeniable,

you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. (NIV

1984)

C. A calm, gentle and meek heart gives life to the body.

1. Ecclesiastes 10:4, If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do

not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.

(NIV 1984)

2. The LXX reads, “The man of gentle mind is the physician

of the heart.”

II. but envy rots the bones.

A. Envy and hatred have “a deteriorating impact on the body and

soul producing psychosomatic illnesses and spiritual sickness.

1. Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her

husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in

his bones. (NIV 1984)



2. Proverbs 15:4, The tongue that brings healing is a tree

of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (NIV

1984)

B. “A heart that feels too acutely and is easily affected by external

circumstances, prepares for itself constant vexation and grief.”

(The Pulpit Commentary)

C. McGee wrote, “Envy will not only rob you of your joy and

fellowship with the Lord, but it will affect you physically.”

Proverbs 14:31, He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for

their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (NIV

1984)

I. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,…

A. All people are God’s creation.

1. To show contempt for any person is to show contempt for

his Creator. (See Coffman.)

2. “A sin against a person is a sin against God, for man is

made in the image of God,” Smith wrote.

B. To fail to be concerned for and to help the less fortunate reduces

us to the level of brute beasts. (See Clarke.)

1. Proverbs 17:5, He who mocks the poor shows contempt

for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go

unpunished. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 22:2, Rich and poor have this in common:

The LORD is the Maker of them all. (NIV 1984)



3. Deuteronomy 15:11, There will always be poor people

in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded

toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in

your land. (NIV 1984)

4. Matthew 26:11, The poor you will always have with

you, but you will not always have me. (NIV 1984)

5. Matthew 25:40, 45, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the

truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these

brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 45

“He will reply, ‘I tell

you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least

of these, you did not do for me.’ (NIV 1984)

II. but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

A. Smith well wrote that the needy person is not only to be helped,

he is to be helped kindly, graciously, respectfully.

B. In the process of assisting, we are not to act condescendingly.

1. Matthew 25:40, 45, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the

truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these

brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 45

“He will reply, ‘I tell

you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least

of these, you did not do for me.’ (NIV 1984)

2. 2 Corinthians 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord

Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes

he became poor, so that you through his poverty might

become rich. (NIV 1984)

3. James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as

pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and

widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being

polluted by the world. (NIV 1984)



Proverbs 14:32, When calamity comes, the wicked are brought

down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. (NIV 1984)

I. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,…

A. The criminal, wicked person has no way to avoid the calamity

that comes upon him because of his evil deeds.

1. “Misfortune strikes and the godless person is overthrown.”

(Keil via Coffman)

B. Death is associated with evil and wickedness. (Bland)

1. Proverbs 2:18, For her house leads down to death and

her paths to the spirits of the dead. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 10:2, Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but

righteousness delivers from death. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 11:19, The truly righteous man attains life,

but he who pursues evil goes to his death. (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 24:16, for though a righteous man falls seven

times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by

calamity. (NIV 1984)

5. Matthew 7:26-27, But everyone who hears these words

of mine and does not put them into practice is like a

foolish man who built his house on sand. 27

The rain came

down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat

against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV

1984)

C. When the wicked come to death, they expire with deep fear and

dread knowing of the punishment awaiting them in the after life.

(See Clarke.)



II. but even in death the righteous have a refuge (hope).

A. The righteous person does not abandon hope of deliverance

even when he is in a life-threatening situation, Smith stated.

B. Smith wrote that in this verse there may be a hint of

immortality.

1. Job 13:15, Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I

will surely defend my ways to his face. (NIV 1984)

2. Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of

the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with

me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 12:28, In the way of righteousness there is

life; along that path is immortality. (NIV 1984)

C. Bland suggested this line may refer “to the righteous seeking

refuge in God, even to the point of death.”

1. Proverbs 10:25, When the storm has swept by, the

wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

(NIV 1984)

2. “There is a deep and essential distinction between the

deaths of the godless and the righteous,” Coffman wrote

quoting Keil-Delitzsch.

D. The righteous have no fear of death knowing that Christ Jesus

awaits them with open and loving arms and the welcome greeting,

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

1. Because of this martyrs went to their deaths in full

expectation of life beyond the grave!



Proverbs 14:33, Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and

even among fools she lets herself be known. (NIV 1984)

I. Wisdom reposes (rests) in the heart of the discerning

(understanding),…

A. The intelligent, discerning person knows the value of wisdom

and strives to have it dwell in his heart. (See Smith.)

B. “The wise person is not always blurting out and making a

display of his wisdom; he lets it lie still and hidden till there is

occasion to use it with effect.” (The Pulpit Commentary)

1. Proverbs 10:14, Wise men store up knowledge, but the

mouth of a fool invites ruin. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge to

himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV 1984)

II. and even among fools she lets herself be known.

A. Wisdom works hard to be recognized even among fools who

have no understanding of its value.

B. The LXX and certain other ancient translations read, “In the

good heart of a man shall rest wisdom, but in the heart of fools it is

no discerned.” (The Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 14:34, Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace

to any people. (NIV 1984)

I. Righteousness exalts a nation, …

A. Doing right in all circumstances exalts a nation.



B. Bland well wrote, “God does not evaluate countries by the size

of their territory, population, military might or wealth, but by their

righteousness; that is, their relationship to the Lord.”

C. For a nation to be truly great, exalted, it must be genuinely

righteous!

D. “Righteousness is the rendering to all their due, whether to God

or man.” (The Pulpit Commentary)

1. Proverbs 10:2, Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but

righteousness delivers from death. (NIV 1984)

E. McGee wrote that today’s “nations do not believe that

righteousness exalts them, but history bears testimony to it. The

pathway of history is strewn with the wrecks, the debris, and the

ruins of nations that didn’t follow this principle.”

II. but sin is a disgrace (reproach) to any people (nation).

A. Sin (unrighteousness, injustice) is a total disgrace to any nation!

1. The Vulgate reads, “… sin makes the people wretched.”

B. A sinful nation, no matter what, can never be truly great.

1. National sin is a curse and scandal for any country.

C. Clarke wrote that this passage could better be rendered, “And

mercy is a sin offering for the people.”

1. Clarke further wrote, “A national disposition to mercy

appears in the sight of God as a continual sin offering.”

D. Sin is indeed a disgrace, a reproach to any people, nation!



Proverbs 14:35, A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful

servant incurs his wrath. (NIV 1984)

I. A king delights in a wise servant,…

A. Joseph and Daniel were such servants who were honored by the

kings they served.

1. Matthew 24:45, 47 “Who then is the faithful and wise

servant, whom the master has put in charge of the

servants in his household to give them their food at the

proper time? 47

I tell you the truth, he will put him in

charge of all his possessions. (NIV 1984)

B. Ahasuerus made a grave mistake by regarding the wicked

Haman with respect and overlooking faithful Mordecai. (See

Coffman.)

II. but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.

A. An unfaithful servant incurs their king’s wrath.

B. Haman was in time found out and hanged while Mordecai

came to be regarded as the faithful servant he was.

Conclusion:

I. Reviewing Proverbs 14, the reader is impressed with teachings related

to:

A. the wise woman who builds her house and the foolish woman

who tears her house down. (verse 1)

B. living uprightly in the fear of God and walking deviously in

opposition to God. (verses 1, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22)



C. the speech of the fool and the speech of the wise. (verses 3,7)

D. industry and laziness. (verses 4, 23)

E. truthfulness and falsehood. (verses 5, 25)

F. the foolish, quick-tempered mocker and the patient, wise person

of discernment. (verses 6, 8, 9, 24, 29, 33)

G. the deceptiveness of sin. (verse 12)

H. joy and bitterness and the difficulty in knowing the feelings of

even those who are closest to use. (verses 10, 13)

I. the rewards of faithlessness and goodness. (verses 14, 32)

J. credulity versus incredulity. (verse 15)

K. righteousness will ultimately be victorious over evil. (verses 19,

26, 27)

L. the poor and the rich. (verses 20, 21, 24, 31)

M. a king’s glory and a prince’s ruin. (verses 28, 34, 35)

N. a heart of peace and a heart of envy. (verse 30)

II. The lessons in the book of Proverbs are eternal, vital to every age,

now, three thousand years ago and three thousand years in the future

should the world stand that long!



Questions

Proverbs 14:1-35

(Questions based on NIV1984 text)

1. For what are the proverbs in Proverbs 14:1-27 designed to do? ______

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. For what are the proverbs in Proverbs 14:28-35 intended to do?_____

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. Those who pursue ______________ find _______________, and

those who don’t _______________ _______________.

4. In what ways do wise women build their houses? _______________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

5. In what ways do foolish women tear their houses down? __________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. Name several biblical women who can be classified as wise women

and others who can be classified as foolish women. Give reasons for

each of your choices. _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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7. A _______________ and __________________ _______________

evidences to all that such a person _____________________,

_______________ and _______________ the ______________.

8. _______________ is _______________ that a person has

_______________ all _______________ for _____________ and

______________ about _______________ _______________.

9. What accounts for certain remarkable differences in the readings of

various proverbs from version to version? ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



10. Give biblical and secular examples that illustrate the fact that foolish

talk brings punishment on the speaker. __________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

11. In what ways do the lips of the wise protect them? Give examples.

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

12. What does Proverbs 14:4 means? ___________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

13. A ______________ _______________ does not _______________,

but a _____________________ _____________________ pours out

_______________.

14. Why can’t mockers find wisdom? ___________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



15. _______________ who_______________, ________________ that

the _______________ of _______________ is a _______________

_______ -_______________ for _______________ _______________

easily achieve _______________.

16. Why should we stay away from foolish people? When should we

avoid foolish people, always or on certain occasions? ______________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

17. The ____________ person ____________ his ____________, the

____________ producing the ____________ and the ____________ of

his ____________. The ____________ man knows ____________ and

has a ____________ ____________ of his ____________ and

____________ in ____________.

18. _______________ are _______________ and _______________

along from one ___________________ to ___________________.

_______________ _______________ others, _______________ others.

19. _________________ _________________ at ________________

_______________ it as a _______________ _______________, regard

it as a _______________ of _______________ ______________.

20. The ____________ are people of ____________ and ____________

____________ who receive ____________’s ____________ and do

____________’s ____________.

21. How and to what extent can we share another person’s sorrows and

joys? _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

22. _______________ has within it the ___________________ of

______________. The __________________; the _______________

_______________ and _______________. The _______________

_______________ in _______________ the _____________.

23. Name several ways which seem right, but are definitely wrong. ____

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

24. Give biblical and secular examples which show that, “Outward mirth

often masks hidden sorrow.”___________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

25. Give biblical and secular examples which show that, “joy may end in

grief.” ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________



26. Whatsoever a man _________________, that shall he also

______________. He that _________________ to the ______________

shall of the _______________ _________________ ______________.

He that ______________ to the _______________ shall of the

______________ _____________ ________________ _____________.

(Galatians 6:8)

27. Are there exceptions to the principle presented above from Galatians

6:8? If so, what are the exceptions? _____________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

28. Should a Christian be credulous or incredulous? Give reasons for

your answer. _______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

29. A ________________ ________________ acts ________________

considering the _________________ of his ________________ and

_______________.

30. A ____________ ____________ ___________ the ___________

and ___________ ___________, but a ___________ is ___________

and _____________.

31. Define, compare and contrast the quick-tempered fool and a crafty

man, a person of wicked schemes. ______________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

32. _______________ ______________ produces _____________, but

_____________ and ____________ the ____________ ____________.

33. The _______________ ________________ of the ______________

_______________ of _______________ over _______________is a

_______________ ____________ ____________. The _____________

of ____________ over _______________ is _____________ and this

principle is illustrated by the _________________ of ____________

__________ __________ and ____________.

34. Why would people shun their poor neighbors? ________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

35. Why do the rich have many friends?__________________________

__________________________________________________________

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36. What do questions 34 and 35 above and your answers to these

questions tell us about human nature? ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

37. The ______________ of ______________ and ______________

___________ those who are ______________ to the ___________ and

___________.

38. It is ____________ and ______________ to _____________ a

person for what is not his _____________.

39. What connection is there between Proverbs 14:21 and Luke 10:25-

37?_______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

40. Those who _____________ and ____________ ____________

most definitely depart from the _____________ ____________ of the

________________. Those who work for the ______________ of the

____________ are __________, ___________ and ____________.

41. If all hard work produces a profit, why do some people who work

hard go bankrupt?___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

42. Are all of these proverbial statements absolute truths to which there

are no exceptions or general truths to which there may be exceptions?

Give reasons for your answer. _______________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

43. ___________ ___________ and __________ ___________is

advised in Proverbs 14:23. A man of ______________ is seldom a man

of ______________. (Clark)

44. Explain how the wealth of the wise is their crown. Define “wealth”

as used in Proverbs 14:24. ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

45. ___________ but more ______________ can be expected from

___________.

46. How can both truthful and false witnesses save and take lives? _____

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

47. Define “fear of the Lord” and explain how the person who fears the

Lord has a secure fortress and his children will have a refuge. ________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



48. In what ways is “the fear of the Lord” a “fountain of life” and how

does “the fear of the Lord” turn a man from “the snares of death?” ____

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

49. Explain how a large population is a king’s glory and the absence of

subjects is a prince’s ruin. ___________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

50. A _______________’s ______________ and ______________ are

displayed by his being ______________ to take _______________ and

being _______________ under _______________. A _____________

who has a ______________ _____________ is one who is easily

______________ which causes him to ______________ ___________.

51. What is the connection between mental / spiritual and physical

health?____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

52. How can it be said that the way we treat the poor is the way we treat

God? ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

53. What refuge do the righteous have in death? __________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

54. Where does wisdom repose? Why do fools have trouble recognizing

wisdom when they see it? _____________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

55. Give evidence, examples showing that righteousness exalts a nation

and that sin is a reproach to any people. _________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

56. Give biblical examples of kings who were greatly benefited by their

wise servants. ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

57. Give biblical examples which show that an unfaithful servant is a

shame to the king and receives the king’s wrath. __________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

58. Why do the various versions of the Bible past and present have

difficulty in agreeing on the wording and meaning of certain verses in

the book of Proverbs. ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

59. Honorable people in Proverbs 14 are referenced as wise, _________

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

60. Dishonorable people in Proverbs 14 are referenced as foolish, _____

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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THE WAY OF WISDOM PROVERBS 14:1-35 - Bible Study...

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