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Proverbs Chapter Fourteen
February 25, 2017

Last week we saw that parents need to teach their children in the way of righteousness and correct children when they stray. The comparison between wise and foolish continues in chapter fourteen. We start with a comparison between a wise and foolish woman; really this applies to anyone. Those who are wise build and strengthen what is theirs and those who are foolish destroy what they have. Sometimes taking action seems like a lot of work, but by taking action we can accomplish what we need to do. This is much like having farm animals. When you don't have a farm animal, you don't have to clean up after it, but that farm animal can help you get work done around the farm much faster. For those who live in cities, it would be like saying if you don't have a car, you will save on the car payment, insurance, maintenance and repair, gas and oil. Having a car in most cities will help you move through the city much faster. Get away from those who are foolish as they will only bring you down, and remember to really think things through before taking action, because what might seem right to you can lead you do your death.

Proverbs 14:1-12
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth 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 understandeth. 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 favour. The heart knoweth 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.

When working and socializing with others remember that a person who laughs may be sad inside. For some, laughter is a way to mask the pain of sadness. Never seek happiness from others, drugs, alcohol, or things around you. Seek happiness from within you and find contentment through abandonment of dangerous habits and practices. Be at peace with those who live near you, even if they may be poor. Be ready, willing, and able to work for what you want to accomplish because ideas and words without action lead to nothing.

Proverbs 14:13-24
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 believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth 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 neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. He that despiseth his neighbour 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 labour 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.

It is important to live in awe of God. Those who do are not bothered by the problems of life because they find hope and refuge in God. When we have hope and find refuge in God, we then can become slow to anger and that only shows we have understanding. Rulers are established when they have broad public support, and the best way to maintain that broad public support is to make sure the needs of the people are met. Never be jealous of others; jealousy is a disease that can quickly destroy you. Instead, be merciful to those who have less than you have, and you will find yourself on the path of righteousness.

Proverbs 14:25-35
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 honour: 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 exalteth folly. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

Those in authority, such as a boss or manager are happy with people who make good decisions, and are unahppy with people who make bad decisions. Good decisions lead us closer to the path of righteousness, and bad decisions lead us away from this path.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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