.14:1-35.

Back to Contents

Hidden feelings and motives (Prov 14:1-35)

Wisdom builds, but folly destroys. People’s actions reveal their attitude to God (Prov 14:1-2).

The wisdom of their speech and their commitment to hard work are among the things that determine whether they progress or come to ruin (Prov 14:3-5).

Those who think they know everything can never become truly wise and therefore can never have right discernment in the moral issues of life (Prov 14:6-8).

Good people may prosper and evil people may suffer loss, but outward appearances do not tell the full story. Hidden within the heart there may be a joy or a sadness that no one can share (Prov 14:9-14).

Those who believe anything, who throw away caution, or who act in quick temper are only increasing their folly (Prov 14:15-18).

The wicked may have a secret respect for those who are genuinely good, but they despise the poor, because they know they can get nothing from them (Prov 14:19-21).

The next five proverbs urge pure motives, hard work, wisdom, truthful speech and reverence for God (Prov 14:22-27).

No one can live without depending on others; even a king cannot exist without his people (Prov 14:28).

Bad temper affects people’s health as well as their personality, but oppressing the poor affects their relation with God (Prov 14:29-31).

Righteousness and wisdom bring benefits in whatever sphere they are practised, whether in private life or in the political affairs of the nation (Prov 14:32-35).