14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow down before the good; And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbor; But the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth [shall be to] them that devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches; [But] the folly of fools is [only] folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies [causeth] deceit.
26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 14:14-26
Commentary on Proverbs 14:14
(Read Proverbs 14:14)
Of all sinners backsliders will have the most terror when they reflect on their own ways.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
(Read Proverbs 14:15)
Eager readiness to believe what others say, has ever proved mischievous. The whole world was thus ruined at first. The man who is spiritually wise, depends on the Saviour alone for acceptance. He is watchful against the enemies of his salvation, by taking heed to God's word.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
(Read Proverbs 14:16)
Holy fear guards against every thing unholy.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:17
(Read Proverbs 14:17)
An angry man is to be pitied as well as blamed; but the revengeful is more hateful.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
(Read Proverbs 14:18)
Sin is the shame of sinners; but wisdom is the honour of the wise.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
(Read Proverbs 14:19)
Even bad men acknowledge the excellency of God's people.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:20
(Read Proverbs 14:20)
Friendship in the world is governed by self-interest. It is good to have God our Friend; he will not desert us.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
(Read Proverbs 14:21)
To despise a man for his employment or appearance is a sin.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:22
(Read Proverbs 14:22)
How wisely those consult their own interest, who not only do good, but devise it!
Commentary on Proverbs 14:23
(Read Proverbs 14:23)
Labour of the head, or of the hand, will turn to some good account. But if men's religion runs all out in talk and noise, they will come to nothing.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:24
(Read Proverbs 14:24)
The riches of men of wisdom and piety enlarge their usefulness.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:25
(Read Proverbs 14:25)
An upright man will venture the displeasure of the greatest, to bring truth to light.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:26-27
(Read Proverbs 14:26-27)
Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death.