14:1 The wise woman [applicable to husbands as well; women play a key role] builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one [e.g., Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-2)] tears hers down [foolishness is destructive].

14:2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

14:3 fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

14:6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

14:7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

14:9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

14:10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

14:11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.

14:14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.

14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.

14:16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

14:17 A quick-tempered [refers to expressing inappropriate anger] person [someone with a short-fuse] does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

Note: Those who fly into a rage never make a good landing.


14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

14:19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

14:20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

14:21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

14:22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

14:23 All hard work [whether physical or mental] brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

14:24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

14:26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

14:28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

14:29 A patient [long or slow to anger] man has [shows] great understanding, but a quick-tempered [quick of spirit] man displays folly.

14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

14:31 Whoever oppresses [prolonged cruel and unjust treatment of others; cruel treatment born out of a mindset of devaluing others] the poor [Jesus said the poor we will always have with us (Jn. 12:8)] shows contempt for their [the One who made us also made the poor] Maker [God created us in His own image thereby endowing us with value and dignity; our view of others should reflect this truth], but whoever is kind [generous] to the needy [Jesus always moved in the direction of people in need] honors [gives weight to God’s view of the poor] God [the Maker of all people].

14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

14:33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

14:36 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.