14 The perverse get what their ways deserve, and the good, what their deeds deserve.
15 The simple believe everything, but the clever consider their steps.
16 The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.
17 One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly, and the schemer is hated.
18 The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are disliked even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 Those who despise their neighbors are sinners, but happy are those who are kind to the poor.
22 Do they not err that plan evil? Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wisdom, but folly is the garland of fools.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is a betrayer.
26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and one's children will have a 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.