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- Chapter 14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Introduction
(Pro. 14:1-35) Every wise, &c.--literally, "The wisdoms" (compare Pro 9:1) "of women," plural, a distributive form of speech. buildeth . . . house--increases wealth, which the foolish, by mismanagement, lessen.
Verse 2
uprightness--is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature (Pro 2:15; Pro 3:32) of despising Him and His law.
Verse 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.
Verse 4
crib is clean--empty; so "cleanness of teeth" denotes want of food (compare Amo 4:6). Men get the proper fruit of their doings (Gal 6:7).
Verse 5
A faithful witness, &c.--one tested to be such. utter lies--or, "breathe out lies"--that is, habitually lies (Pro 6:19; compare Act 9:1). Or the sense is, that habitual truthfulness, or lying, will be evinced in witness-bearing.
Verse 7
Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.
Verse 8
Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.
Verse 9
Fools make a mock at sin--or, "Sin deludes fools." righteous . . . favour--that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.
Verse 10
Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.
Verse 11
(Compare Pro 12:7). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.
Verse 12
end thereof--or, "reward," what results (compare Pro 5:4). ways of death--leading to it.
Verse 13
The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.
Verse 14
filled . . . ways--receive retribution (Pro 1:31). a good man . . . himself--literally, "is away from such," will not associate with him.
Verse 15
The simple . . . word--He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Pro 13:16).
Verse 17
He . . . angry--literally, "short of anger" (compare Pro 14:29, opposite idea). man . . . hated--that is, the deliberate evildoer is more hated than the rash.
Verse 18
inherit--as a portion (compare Pro 3:35). are crowned--literally, "are surrounded with it," abound in it.
Verse 19
Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.
Verse 20
This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.
Verse 21
For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.
Verse 22
As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative. mercy and truth--that is, God's (Psa 57:3; Psa 61:7).
Verse 23
labour--painful diligence. talk . . . penury--idle and vain promises and plans.
Verse 24
(Compare Pro 3:16). foolishness . . . folly--Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.
Verse 25
Life often depends on truth-telling. a deceitful . . . lies--He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted (Pro 14:5).
Verse 27
(Compare Pro 13:14). fear of the Lord--or, "law of the wise," is wisdom (Psa 111:10).
Verse 28
The teaching of a true political economy.
Verse 29
slow . . . understanding--(Compare Pro 14:17). hasty--(Compare Pro 14:17). exalteth folly--makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.
Verse 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.
Verse 31
reproacheth his Maker--who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Pro 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially Sa1 2:8; Psa 113:7).
Verse 32
driven--thrust out violently (compare Psa 35:5-6). hath hope--trusteth (Pro 10:2; Pro 11:4; Psa 2:12), implying assurance of help.
Verse 33
resteth--preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Pro 12:23; Pro 13:16).
Verse 34
Righteousness--just principles and actions. exalteth--raises to honor. is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pro 13:6).
Verse 35
wise--discreet or prudent. causeth shame-- (Pro 10:5; Pro 12:4) acts basely. Next: Proverbs Chapter 15