14:1 house Refers to the wise woman’s household (compare 24:3–4; 31:10–31). This woman is described as building her household, which in the ancient Near East would have involved having children, raising a family, and caring for the household economy.

14:2 fears Yahweh The fear of Yahweh is an important concept in both Wisdom Literature and the ot as a whole. It describes a reverent attitude toward Yahweh, on that both acknowledges His full power and involves obedience to Him. In Proverbs, the fear of Yahweh is recognized as the beginning of wisdom (see 1:7 and note; 9:10). The person who gains wisdom better understands the fear of Yahweh (2:5).

Fearing God in the Old Testament

14:3 In the mouth of a fool A fool gets into trouble by speaking impulsively (29:11) and argumentatively (20:3). By contrast, the restrained (10:19; 17:27) and careful speech of the wise acts as a type of protection (compare 11:9, 12–13).

The Fool in Proverbs

14:4 the manger is empty The stalls will be clean if the farmer has no oxen, but the farmer will not have any food either. Unpleasant work is necessary for a harvest.

14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom Scoffers cannot gain wisdom because they despise correction (13:1; 15:12; see 1:22 and note).

14:8 is understanding his ways The wise benefit practically from their pursuit of wisdom. Here, wisdom helps people make careful decisions (21:29).

Wisdom in Proverbs

Wisdom and Related Terms

14:9 the guilt offering The Hebrew word used here, asham, can describe the guilt offering (a specific kind of sacrifice; Lev 5:14–19) or guilt in general (Gen 26:10). The implication is that fools are proud and refuse to admit wrongdoing or seek reconciliation. Their arrogance (Prov 21:24) and preference for evil (10:23; 13:19) cause them to reject responsibility for their sin.

14:11 the tent of the upright will flourish A tent often was used to represent a person’s welfare (compare Job 8:22 and note). Proverbs views a successful life as one of the rewards of wisdom and righteousness (see note on Prov 3:2).

14:12 a way that seems upright Repeated in 16:25, this proverb reflects the way of the forbidden woman that can ultimately end in death (5:3–6; 7:25–27). In contrast, the way of wisdom leads to pleasantness and peace (3:17–18).

14:13 Even in laughter, a heart may be sad This seemingly pessimistic proverb highlights the joys and sorrows of life. It also highlights the ultimate end of humanity (Eccl 7:2–4).

14:14 the perverse of The Hebrew word used here, sug, indicates turning back. It is often used in the sense of turning away from God (Pss 44:18; 53:3; Isa 59:13).

14:15 The simple The Hebrew word used here, pethi, describes someone who is ignorant or oblivious. Unlike the fool, a simple person has the ability to learn (Prov 21:11; see 1:4 and note).

The Fool in Proverbs

14:16 turns from evil Refers both to rejecting wickedness and pursuing good (Pss 34:14; 37:27).

14:18 are crowned with knowledge Knowledge or wisdom are rewards in themselves (compare Prov 12:4; 14:24; 16:31; 17:6), and the simple should strive to gain them (see note on 1:4).

14:19 The evil bow down before the good Describes the ultimate victory of good over evil. Conquered people demonstrated their submission by bowing down before their victors (Gen 37:7–8; Isa 60:14).

14:20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor People more often exhibit friendliness to those who can benefit them. Proverbs 14:21 corrects this notion.

14:21 he who has mercy on the poor blesses him People are more likely to befriend the rich than the impoverished (v. 20). However, generosity to the poor results in blessing and happiness (Psa 1:1) and honors God (Prov 14:31).

14:23 In all toil, there is profit Advocates hard work. For the temporary aspect of this profit, see Eccl 2:22 and note.

14:27 is a fountain of life Compare Prov 13:14, where the teaching of the wise is a source of life.

14:30 passion The Hebrew word used here, qin'ah, refers to a sin considered worse than anger (27:4) and thus strongly condemned.

Topics in Proverbs Table

14:31 He who oppresses the poor insults him who made him Yahweh is the maker of both the rich and the impoverished (22:2). Oppression of the poor—usually for financial gain (22:16)—is an offense to God, who will one day execute justice on behalf of the impoverished (Psa 146:7).

14:34 Righteousness will exalt a nation All of society feels the benefits of righteousness. See Prov 11:10–11 and note.

14:35 The favor of a king is for the servant who deals wisely Caution before rulers is a recurring theme in Wisdom Literature (23:1). Ecclesiastes advocates caution before the king because of the king’s authority (Eccl 8:2–5).