Provérbios 14
Tyndale Open Study Notes · Tyndale Open Study Notes
Provérbios 14:1
14:1 Building or tearing down the home is a metaphor for strengthening or weakening one’s family.
Provérbios 14:2
14:2 The path is a metaphor for life and conduct (see 2:13, 20; 3:6; 4:11; 6:23). • fear the Lord: See 1:7.
Provérbios 14:3
14:3 A fool’s word can be used against him.
Provérbios 14:4
14:4 It’s easy to keep a stable . . . clean if it is empty, but a farmer without an ox has no harvest.
Provérbios 14:5-8
14:5 Honest speech and lies both flow from deep within a person’s character. Cp. 12:17.
Provérbios 14:9
14:9 The godly acknowledge their mistakes and sins, leading to change and reconciliation. Fools defend themselves by making fun of guilt.
Provérbios 14:10
14:10 No one can fully understand the emotions of another (cp. Ps 103:14; Isa 63:9; Nah 1:7; Rom 8:27). Bitterness and joy are at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum; this poetic device of referring to polar opposites (merism) covers the whole range in between.
Provérbios 14:11
14:11 Although a house is typically more stable than a tent, wickedness destroys and tears down, while godliness builds up (14:1).
Provérbios 14:12
14:12 // 16:25 The right choice is not always the one that seems right on the surface (see Matt 7:13-14).
Provérbios 14:13
14:13 A person’s outward demeanor might not reflect what is in the heart.
Provérbios 14:14-16
14:14 Backsliders foolishly act against what they know to be good and right and wise.
Provérbios 14:17
14:17 Short-tempered people do not anticipate consequences before expressing anger. Schemers reflect, but they, too, are hated because of the evil that they do.
Provérbios 14:18-19
14:18 are clothed with foolishness: One’s true nature and heart attitude will eventually show in one’s demeanor.
Provérbios 14:20
14:20 This proverb might commend moderation, having neither too little nor too much (30:7-9).
Provérbios 14:21-23
14:21 blessed are those who help the poor: See also 3:27-28; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14.
Provérbios 14:24-27
14:24 This proverb states a general principle, even though fools sometimes have wealth (10:2; 11:18), and poverty is not always the result of foolishness (cp. 13:23; 16:8).
Provérbios 14:28
14:28 The well-being and growth of the people, not wealth or military victory, are the true signs of a king’s success.
Provérbios 14:29
14:29 Wise people can control their emotions and express them appropriately.
Provérbios 14:30
14:30 A peaceful heart has resolved its inner tensions. Freedom from jealousy is beneficial to physical health.
Provérbios 14:31
14:31 Wise people help the poor (cp. 11:24-26; 28:27; see Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:11; 24:10-15; Isa 3:14-15; Jer 2:34; see also Jas 2:1-13). • insult their Maker: See also Prov 17:5.
Provérbios 14:32-33
14:32 Proverbs infrequently hints at life after death. Some scholars think this verse refers to God’s granting courage to face death with dignity and serenity.
Provérbios 14:34
14:34 A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories (14:28) but by godliness.