14 A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace.
15 The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word.
16 The wise watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless.
17 The hotheaded do things they'll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.
18 Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground.
19 Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good; the wicked will respect God-loyal people.
20 An unlucky loser is shunned by all, but everyone loves a winner.
21 It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor - what a blessing!
22 Isn't it obvious that conspirators lose out, while the thoughtful win love and trust?
23 Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.
24 The wise accumulate wisdom; fools get stupider by the day.
25 Souls are saved by truthful witness and betrayed by the spread of lies.
26 The Fear-of-God builds up confidence, and makes a world safe for your children.
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.