16 A wise [man] feareth and departeth from evil; but the foolish is overbearing and confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly, and a man of mischievous devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous [man].
20 He that is poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious to the afflicted, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but loving-kindness and truth are for those that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to want.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches; the folly of the foolish is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls; but deceit uttereth lies.
26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory; but in the lack of people is the ruin of a prince.
29 He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; but he that honoureth Him is gracious to the needy.
32 The wicked is driven away by his evil-doing; but the righteous trusteth, [even] in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of the intelligent [man]; but that which is in the foolish maketh itself known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to peoples.
35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant; but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16-35
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.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:28
(Read Proverbs 14:28)
Let all that wish well to the kingdom of Christ, do what they can, that many may be added to his church.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:29
(Read Proverbs 14:29)
A mild, patient man is one that learns of Christ, who is Wisdom itself. Unbridled passion is folly made known.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:30
(Read Proverbs 14:30)
An upright, contented, and benevolent mind, tends to health.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
(Read Proverbs 14:31)
To oppress the poor is to reproach our Creator.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:32
(Read Proverbs 14:32)
The wicked man has his soul forced from him; he dies in his sins, under the guilt and power of them. But godly men, though they have pain and some dread of death, have the blessed hope, which God, who cannot lie, has given them.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:33
(Read Proverbs 14:33)
Wisdom possesses the heart, and thus regulates the affections and tempers.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:34
(Read Proverbs 14:34)
Piety and holiness always promote industry, sobriety, and honesty.
Commentary on Proverbs 14:35
(Read Proverbs 14:35)
The great King who reigns over heaven and earth, will reward faithful servants who honour his gospel by the proper discharge of the duties of their stations: he despises not the services of the lowest.