#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs14 # Proverbs 14 > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]] [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] [[#🔗 Related Passages]] [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] >[[Proverbs Overview]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text A wise woman builds her home,     but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. 2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;     those who take the wrong path despise him. 3 A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,     but the words of the wise keep them safe. 4 Without oxen a stable stays clean,     but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. 5 An honest witness does not lie;     a false witness breathes lies. 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,     but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. 7 Stay away from fools,     for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. 8 The prudent understand where they are going,     but fools deceive themselves. 9 Fools make fun of guilt,     but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. 10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,     and no one else can fully share its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,     but the tent of the godly will flourish. 12 There is a path before each person that seems right,     but it ends in death. 13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,     but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. 14 Backsliders get what they deserve;     good people receive their reward. 15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!     The prudent carefully consider their steps. 16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger;     fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,     and schemers are hated. 18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,     but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 Evil people will bow before good people;     the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. 20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,     while the rich have many “friends.” 21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;     blessed are those who help the poor. 22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;     if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. 23 Work brings profit,     but mere talk leads to poverty! 24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;     the effort of fools yields only foolishness. 25 A truthful witness saves lives,     but a false witness is a traitor. 26 Those who fear the Lord are secure;     he will be a refuge for their children. 27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;     it offers escape from the snares of death. 28 A growing population is a king’s glory;     a prince without subjects has nothing. 29 People with understanding control their anger;     a hot temper shows great foolishness. 30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;     jealousy is like cancer in the bones. 31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,     but helping the poor honors him. 32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,     but the godly have a refuge when they die. 33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;     wisdom is not found among fools. 34 Godliness makes a nation great,     but sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 A king rejoices in wise servants     but is angry with those who disgrace him. --- ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary Each verse is important. --- ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - The chapter begins with the image of a woman building or destroying her house, a metaphor for personal responsibility. - Proverbs 14:12—“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death”—is repeated in 16:25 for emphasis. - The connection between fear of the Lord and strong confidence (v. 26) is unique and deeply theological. - Several verses highlight how wisdom benefits entire communities, not just individuals. - This chapter also includes proverbs about national stability, such as “righteousness exalts a nation” (v. 34). --- ## 🧠 Chapter Summary **Main Teaching**: Proverbs 14 explores the internal and external fruit of wisdom and folly, noting that even when a path seems right to someone, it can still lead to death. It highlights how attitudes, decisions, and speech reflect one’s character and bring either life or destruction. **How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter broadens the view of wisdom to show how it affects both personal outcomes and social dynamics. It continues emphasizing the deep consequences of daily choices. **Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 14 directly critiques relativism by stating that sincerity doesn’t guarantee truth (“There is a way that seems right… but ends in death”). It upholds the need for objective moral guidance rooted in God’s truth, not individual perception. --- ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish one tears it down. - 📌 There is a way that seems right, but it leads to death. - 📌 The fear of the Lord leads to a life of confidence and refuge. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Think before you speak today to avoid unnecessary arguments. - ✅ Avoid shortcuts in your work or decisions—build with integrity. - ✅ Take a moment to check in on your spiritual health, not just your feelings. - ✅ Encourage someone who is feeling discouraged or fearful. - ✅ Avoid jealousy or envy by being thankful for what you have. --- ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember **📖 Proverbs 14:12** “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” - **Why it matters**: It reminds us that feelings and appearances can be deceptive. We must seek God’s truth, not rely on personal opinion or cultural trends. --- ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” - 🔗 James 3:13 – “Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” - 🔗 John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.” --- ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on: - How this chapter encourages your faith, - Convicts your heart, - Reveals God's character. Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..." --- ## 📂 Tags