 Proverbs Chapter 14 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: http://www.kjvbiblestudies.net Email: [email protected] Introduction: In Proverbs Chapter 14 the contrast between wisdom and folly continues. However, there is a slight shift in the nuance of the theme. Where the contrast in recent chapters has been between the wisdom of righteousness and the folly of wickedness, now the thought pattern seems to focus upon the wisdom of goodness versus the foolishness of wrongdoing.
Pro 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. The thought shifts now to the distinction between a wise woman and a foolish one. A wise woman will build up her house. The thought refers to one’s family. Accordingly, a wise woman will strengthen and build up her family. The word translated as plucketh it down (orhharac) in its simplest sense means to ‘break down’ or to ‘tear down.’ A wise woman will encourage and strengthen her family while a foolish woman will criticize and tear them down. Though the thought is of doing so with her hands, that may be a metaphor. The likely thought is of tearing down one’s family by criticism and nagging. Pro 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. Pro 14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. The word translated as uprightness (rvy yosher) refers to upright living. It is the practical outworking of the principle of righteousness. The point is that he who walks uprightly (in righteousness) demonstrates a fear of the Lord. A direct link between the fear of the Lord and righteousness is set forth. Doing what is right manifests the fear of the Lord. In contrast, he who is perverse (crooked) has no regard for the Lord. The converse is true as well. When one has little regard for the Lord, he very well may become crooked. In Verse 3, we find that fools are often proud and it shows in what they say. The idea of a “rod of pride” in the mouth of a fool simply means that fools in pride use their tongue like a whip or rod on others. In contrast, the mouth of a wise man will protect and preserve himself. The fact is how that fools are proud and sharp with their tongue. Wise men keep their mouths shut and it preserves them. Continue Reading in PDF: 
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