Like much of the book of the Proverbs, Chapter 14 is written in couplets which contrast wise and foolish behavior. We read that a wise woman builds her home, but the foolish woman tears it down; the one who walks in uprightness fears God, while the devious man despises Him. This saying is a ‘stand-alone’ truth that is applicable to every man, but in order to discover the godly way to go, the correct choices need to be made, and the true path that leads to life and light, peace and hope. The entire book of Proverbs needs to be taken into account, for it records of every aspect of living a godly life. Perhaps the key to the entire book of Proverbs, upon which all every piece of good advice is found. Also the truth that Solomon taught his son in Proverbs chapter 3:5, “Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… in all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your paths.” Guidance for godly living can be found throughout these Proverbs and it is attributed to Solomon. Salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone, for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved.
Proverbs Chapter 14:1-35
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. He that walketh in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understands. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor. The heart knows his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. The simple believs every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident. He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich hath many friends. He that despises his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. In the multitude of people is the king’s honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. He that oppresss the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honors him hath mercy on the poor. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Wisdom rests in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causes shame.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, help those who are confused about right or wrong. Guide others in their lives to guide them in the right direction. I thank You and praise You that it is Your will to help those that are afflicted, to support the weak, to provide for the widows and orphans and to help those that are in need. I am believing for others and myself to be a guide to these brothers and sisters that need our assistance and Your light will shine through to us on to them. Use my hands to be of service to those in need, and use my voice to speak words of healing and encouragement to those that are afflicted and in distress. I thank You and praise You for hearing my prayer. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
Wisdom rests in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Proverbs 14:33
"Only Life Changes" 