Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14
Verses 1-35
CHAPTER 14
Pr 14:1-35.
1. Every wise, &c.—literally, "The wisdoms" (compare Pr 9:1) "of women," plural, a distributive form of speech.
buildeth … house—increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.
Verses 2
2. uprightness—is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Pr 2:15; 3:32) of despising Him and His law.
Verses 3
3. rod of pride—that is, the punishment of pride, which they evince by their words. The words of the wise procure good to them.
Verses 4
4. crib is clean—empty; so "cleanness of teeth" denotes want of food (compare Am 4:6). Men get the proper fruit of their doings (Ga 6:7).
Verses 5
5. A faithful witness, &c.—one tested to be such.
utter lies—or, "breathe out lies"—that is, habitually lies (Pr 6:19; compare Ac 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.
Verses 6
6. An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking (Pr 8:9; Joh 7:17; Jas 1:5, 6).
Verses 7
7. Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.
Verses 8
8. Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.
Verses 9
9. Fools make a mock at sin—or, "Sin deludes fools."
righteous … favour—that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.
Verses 10
10. Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.
Verses 11
11. (Compare Pr 12:7). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.
Verses 12
12. end thereof—or, "reward," what results (compare Pr 5:4).
ways of death—leading to it.
Verses 13
13. The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.
Verses 14
14. filled … ways—receive retribution (Pr 1:31).
a good man … himself—literally, "is away from such," will not associate with him.
Verses 15
15. The simple … word—He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Pr 13:16).
Verses 16
16. (Compare Pr 3:7; 28:14).
rageth—acts proudly and conceitedly.
Verses 17
17. He … angry—literally, "short of anger" (compare Pr 14:29, opposite idea).
man … hated—that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.
Verses 18
18. inherit—as a portion (compare Pr 3:35).
are crowned—literally, "are surrounded with it," abound in it.
Verses 19
19. Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.
Verses 20
20. This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.
Verses 21
21. For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.
Verses 22
22. As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.
mercy and truth—that is, God's (Ps 57:3; 61:7).
Verses 23
23. labour—painful diligence.
talk … penury—idle and vain promises and plans.
Verses 24
24. (Compare Pr 3:16).
foolishness … folly—Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.
Verses 25
25. Life often depends on truth-telling.
a deceitful … lies—He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted (Pr 14:5).
Verses 26
26. The blessings of piety descend to children (Pr 13:22; 20:7; Ex 20:6).
Verses 27
27. (Compare Pr 13:14).
fear of the Lord—or, "law of the wise," is wisdom (Ps 111:10).
Verses 28
28. The teaching of a true political economy.
Verses 29
29. slow … understanding—(Compare Pr 14:17).
hasty—(Compare Pr 14:17).
exalteth folly—makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.
Verses 30
30. A sound heart—both literally and figuratively, a source of health; in the latter sense, opposed to the known effect of evil passions on health.
Verses 31
31. reproacheth his Maker—who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Pr 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially 1Sa 2:8; Ps 113:7).
Verses 32
32. driven—thrust out violently (compare Ps 35:5, 6).
hath hope—trusteth (Pr 10:2; 11:4; Ps 2:12), implying assurance of help.
Verses 33
33. resteth—preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Pr 12:23; 13:16).
Verses 34
34. Righteousness—just principles and actions.
exalteth—raises to honor.
is a reproach—brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pr 13:6).
Verses 35
35. wise—discreet or prudent.
causeth shame—(Pr 10:5; 12:4) acts basely.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.