Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Proverbs 14

The Book of Proverbs

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

CHAPTER 14

      1. 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.

      2. uprightness--is the fruit of fearing God, as falsehood and ill-nature ( Pro 2:15 3:32 ) of despising Him and His law.

      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.

      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 ).

      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.

      6. An humble, teachable spirit succeeds in seeking ( Pro 8:9 Jhn 7:17 Jam 1:5, 6 ).

      7. Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.

      8. Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.

      9. Fools make a mock at sin--or, "Sin deludes fools."
      righteous. . . favour--that is, of God, instead of the punishment of sin.

      10. Each one best knows his own sorrows or joys.

      11. (Compare Pro 12:7 ). The contrast of the whole is enhanced by that of house and tabernacle, a permanent and a temporary dwelling.

      12. end thereof--or, "reward," what results (compare Pro 5:4 ).
      ways of death--leading to it.

      13. The preceding sentiment illustrated by the disappointments of a wicked or untimely joy.

      14. filled. . . ways--receive retribution ( Pro 1:31 ).
      a good man. . . himself--literally, "is away from such," will not associate with him.

      15. The simple. . . word--He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness ( Pro 13:16 ).

      16. (Compare Pro 3:7 28:14 ).
      rageth--acts proudly and conceitedly.

      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.

      18. inherit--as a portion (compare Pro 3:35 ).
      are crowned--literally, "are surrounded with it," abound in it.

      19. Describes the humbling of the wicked by the punishment their sins incur.

      20. This sad but true picture of human nature is not given approvingly, but only as a fact.

      21. For such contempt of the poor is contrasted as sinful with the virtuous compassion of the good.

      22. As usual, the interrogative negative strengthens the affirmative.
      mercy and truth--that is, God's ( Psa 57:3 61:7 ).

      23. labour--painful diligence.
      talk. . . penury--idle and vain promises and plans.

      24. (Compare Pro 3:16 ).
      foolishness. . . folly--Folly remains, or produces folly; it has no benefit.

      25. Life often depends on truth-telling.
      a deceitful. . . lies--He that breathes out lies is deceit, not to be trusted ( Pro 14:5 ).

      26. The blessings of piety descend to children ( Pro 13:22 20:7 Exd 20:6 ).

      27. (Compare Pro 13:14 ).
      fear of the Lord--or, "law of the wise," is wisdom ( Psa 111:10 ).

      28. The teaching of a true political economy.

      29. slow. . . understanding--(Compare Pro 14:17 ).
      hasty--(Compare Pro 14:17 ).
      exalteth folly--makes it conspicuous, as if delighting to honor it.

      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.

      31. reproacheth his Maker--who is the God of such, as well as of the rich ( Pro 22:2 Job 31:15; and specially 1Sa 2:8 Psa 113:7 ).

      32. driven--thrust out violently (compare Psa 35:5, 6 ).
      hath hope--trusteth ( Pro 10:2 11:4 Psa 2:12 ), implying assurance of help.

      33. resteth--preserved in quietness for use, while fools blazon their folly ( Pro 12:23 13:16 ).

      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 ).

      35. wise--discreet or prudent.
      causeth shame-- ( Pro 10:5 12:4 ) acts basely.