14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways;
likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
15 A simple man believes everything,
but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil,
but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,
and a crafty man 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 person is shunned even by his own neighbor,
but the rich person has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
22 Don’t they go astray who plot evil?
But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
23 In all hard work there is profit,
but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
25 A truthful witness saves souls,
but a false witness is deceitful.
26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress,
and he will be a refuge for his 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.