Proverbs 14

14:1 Building or tearing down the home is a metaphor for strengthening or weakening one’s family.

14:2 The path is a metaphor for life and conduct (see 2:13, 20; 3:6; 4:11; 6:23). • fear the Lord: See 1:7.

14:3 A fool’s word can be used against him.

14:4 It’s easy to keep a stable . . . clean if it is empty, but a farmer without an ox has no harvest.

14:5 Honest speech and lies both flow from deep within a person’s character. Cp. 12:17.

14:9 The godly acknowledge their mistakes and sins, leading to change and reconciliation. Fools defend themselves by making fun of guilt.

14:10 No one can fully understand the emotions of another (cp. Ps 103:14; Isa 63:9; Nah 1:7; Rom 8:27). Bitterness and joy are at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum; this poetic device of referring to polar opposites (merism) covers the whole range in between.

14:11 Although a house is typically more stable than a tent, wickedness destroys and tears down, while godliness builds up (14:1).

14:12 // 16:25 The right choice is not always the one that seems right on the surface (see Matt 7:13-14).

14:13 A person’s outward demeanor might not reflect what is in the heart.

14:14 Backsliders foolishly act against what they know to be good and right and wise.

14:17 Short-tempered people do not anticipate consequences before expressing anger. Schemers reflect, but they, too, are hated because of the evil that they do.

14:18 are clothed with foolishness: One’s true nature and heart attitude will eventually show in one’s demeanor.

14:20 This proverb might commend moderation, having neither too little nor too much (30:7-9).

14:21 blessed are those who help the poor: See also 3:27-28; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14.

14:24 This proverb states a general principle, even though fools sometimes have wealth (10:2; 11:18), and poverty is not always the result of foolishness (cp. 13:23; 16:8).

14:28 The well-being and growth of the people, not wealth or military victory, are the true signs of a king’s success.

14:29 Wise people can control their emotions and express them appropriately.

14:30 A peaceful heart has resolved its inner tensions. Freedom from jealousy is beneficial to physical health.

14:31 Wise people help the poor (cp. 11:24-26; 28:27; see Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:11; 24:10-15; Isa 3:14-15; Jer 2:34; see also Jas 2:1-13). • insult their Maker: See also Prov 17:5.

14:32 Proverbs infrequently hints at life after death. Some scholars think this verse refers to God’s granting courage to face death with dignity and serenity.

14:34 A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories (14:28) but by godliness.