I see some more great themes in this chapter, especially as we relate to other people. We don’t always treat people with kindness and think about their needs. Let’s look at Proverbs 14! Verse 12 tells us something that is so true, that there is a way that seems right to us! But there is a consequence in doing what we think is right, instead of doing what God says is right! We will dig in and see what these right deeds are, do them instead of doing wrong and what our flesh says is acceptable and right.
There is a way that appears to be right,
Proverbs 14:12
but in the end it leads to death.”
A Fool is Quick Tempered But The Righteous Are Patient
Verse 3 “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
but the lips of the wise protect them.”
The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
Proverbs 14:16-17
but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.“
Consider How You Act Towards Others
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
Proverbs 14:29-30
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Verse 1 “The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.“
Verse 11 “The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.”
Verse 26 “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.”
The Right and Wrong Way To Treat Your Neighbor
The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
Proverbs 14:20-21
but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,
but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
Verse 30 “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Be Honest, Don’t Lie
Verse 5 An honest witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.
Verse 25 “A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is deceitful.“
Don’t Be Lazy! Work Hard!
Verse 4 “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”
Verse 23 “All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Put God First! You Won’t Regret It!
Do Not Be A Fool Or Evil, But Be Wise, Righteous And Prudent
Verse 6 “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.”
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
Proverbs 14:32-35
but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
and even among fools she lets herself be known. Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people. A king delights in a wise servant,
but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin,
Proverbs 14:7-9
but goodwill is found among the upright.
The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
Proverbs 14:14-15
and the good rewarded for theirs. The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their step.
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Proverbs 14:18-19
Verse 22 “Do not those who plot evil go astray?
But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
Verse 26 “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.” This Is A Promise!
There are too many things that seem right to us, but they don’t pay off in the end. The consequences are bad! I’m thankful to know that I have promises like the one above, that I have a secure fortress when I fear the Lord(respect, honor Him).