Provérbios 14
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Provérbios 14
NJB (MT versing) Contrast the Upright and the Wicked 14:1-35 (1-35) 14:1 (1) 14:1-35 (1-35) 14:1 (1) 14:1 (1) 14:2 (2) 14:2 (2) 14:2 (2) 14:3 (3) 14:3 (3) 14:3 (3) 14:4 (4) 14:4 (4) 14:4 (4) 14:5 (5) 14:5 (5) 14:5 (5) 14:6-8 (6-8) 14:6-8 (6-8) 14:6-8 (6-8) 14:9 (9) 14:9 (9) 14:9 (9) 14:10 (10) 14:10 (10) 14:10 (10) 14:11 (11) 14:11 (11) 14:11 (11) 14:12 (12) 14:12 (12) 14:12 (12) 14:13 (13) 14:13 (13) 14:13 (13) 14:14 (14) 14:14 (14) 14:14 (14) 14:15-19 (15-19) 14:15-19 (15-19) 14:15-19 (15-19) 14:20-21 (20-21) 14:20-21 (20-21) 14:20-21 (20-21) 14:22 (22) 14:22 (22) 14:22 (22) 14:23 (23) 14:23 (23) 14:23 (23) 14:24 (24) 14:24 (24) 14:24 (24) 14:25 (25) 14:25 (25) 14:25 (25) 14:26-27 (26-27) 14:26-27 (26-27) 14:26-27 (26-27) 14:28 (28) 14:28 (28) 14:28 (28) 14:29 (29) 14:29 (29) 14:29 (29) 14:30 (30) 14:30 (30) 14:30 (30) 14:31 (31) 14:31 (31) 14:31 (31) 14:32 (32) 14:32 (32) 14:32 (32) 14:33 (33) 14:33 (33) 14:33 (33) 14:34 (34) 14:34 (34) 14:34 (34) 14:35 (35) 14:35 (35) 14:35 (35) Etc. BACKGROUND STUDY It is very important in studying a book like Proverbs, which is almost impossible to outline, to look for major themes that run through the entire work. Proverbs is an example of wisdom literature that moves from one theme to another. The rabbis call this "pearls on a string" and used it to keep the attention of their audience. There is usually no contextual relationship between chapters like this, which have two lines of poetry on one subject. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW POETRY It will be very helpful in studying Proverbs to read the passage in several English translations. This will help one to see the fluidity and different connotations of the words and phrases. Review the note in the Introduction to Proverbs, VIII. E. by Douglas Stuart.
Provérbios 14:1-35
14:1 "The wise woman" Proverbs elevates the wife (cf. Prov. 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-31). Notice the antithetical parallelism. The first line has a PERFECT VERB (godly woman) and the second an IMPERFECT VERB (foolish woman). SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW POETRY 14:2 "He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord" Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (cf. Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 15:33; Job 28:28; Eccl. 12:13). Our lifestyle choices reflect our relationship with God. Proverbs is extremely concerned, not only with knowledge, but a godly lifestyle (i.e., "hear," shema, cf. Deut. 6:4-9). SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "But he who is devious in his ways despises Him" Even if the wicked man does not recognize the presence of God, by his very actions he despises Him. All the Hebrew words for sin reflect a deviation from a standard. In the Bible the standard of measurement is God, Himself (i.e., Rom. 3:9-18,23). SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS ▣ NASB, NJB "crooked" NKJV, Peshitta "perverse" NRSV, JPSOA, LXX "devious" "deserts" "the double dealer" This VERBAL root (BDB 531, KB 522, Niphal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE; NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 770) has one positive meaning in the Qal and Hiphil stems and a negative sense in the Niphal stem. positive ‒ Prov. 3:21, Qal ‒ Prov. 4:21, Hiphil negative ‒ Prov. 2:15; 3:22; 14:2; Isa. 30:12 14:3 NASB, NRSV, REB "a rod for his back" "a rod of pride" "a rod of haughtiness" "a staff of pride" "provocation and disgrace" The MT has "a rod of pride" (BDB 310 CONSTRUCT BDB 144). The UBS Text Project, p. 491, gives this an "A" rating (highly probable). Verse 3 is antithetical parallelism. גאוה ‒ of pride גוה ‒ of his back (cf. Prov. 10:13) The MT is unusual but this is one of the tenets of textual criticism (i.e., the most unusual text is probably original). See NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 106. See SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM. This verse highlights the truth that "words matter." They can build up or tear down. The tongue is a weapon or a blessing (cf. James 3:1-7). Words reveal the heart, the true self (cf. Mark 7:18-23). SPECIAL TOPIC: HUMAN SPEECH 14:4 There are two possibilities for this verse. Orderliness can reflect emptiness. In the Tyndale OT Commentary the title of this section is "Neat but Negative." Take care of your working animals and they will take care of you. Number 2 fits the context best. 14:5 "A faithful witness will not lie" Identifying parallel passages is the best way to study Proverbs. Verse 5 is an antithetical parallelism. There are two types of roots for "witness." faithful witness ‒ BDB 729 CONSTRUCT BDB 53 false witness ‒ BDB 729 CONSTRUCT BDB 1055 There is some confusion about the VERB "speaks lies" found in the second line (BDB 806, KB 916, Hiphil IMPERFECT, cf. Prov. 6:19; 12:17; 14:5,25; 19:5,9). Lying in court was condemned because usually a conviction meant death, so a lying witness was a murderer! This is why it took two witnesses to convict (cf. Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15). YHWH's people must reflect His character. He does not lie! 14:6 "A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none" Wisdom is easy to find if one seeks her for the right reasons (cf. Exod. 23:1; Prov. 2:3-6; 2 Tim. 3:7; James 1:5). The terms "wisdom" (BDB 315, KB 314) and "knowledge" (BDB 395, KB 228) are used in a synonymous parallel relationship (cf. Prov. 1:7; 2:6,10; 9:10; 14:6; 21:11; Eccl. 1:18; 7:12). Surprisingly just as there is no distinction between social and religious laws in the Pentateuch, there is no distinction between academic knowledge experience training YHWH gives both and both are needed in a godly, productive society. All of life belongs to God and all human knowledge is from Him (see NIDOTTE, vol. 4, pp. 563; #6, 1276-1285). 14:7 "Leave the presence of a fool" The VERB "leave" (BDB 229, KB 246, Qal IMPERATIVE, literally "walk") is the only IMPERATIVE in the chapter. Watch out for the company you keep. It will determine who you are. This is a recurrent theme in Proverbs. 14:8 "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way" Wisdom helps put human life in perspective. 14:9 "Fools mock at sin" The term "sin" is the term "guilt" (BDB 79 KB 95). It may refer to a "guilt offering," KB 96, JPSOA). This possibly relates to the fool's rejection of God, either intellectually or what is more probable, practically. Proverbs is a book about life and how to live it in a way pleasing to YHWH. The second line is textually uncertain but the UBS Text Project gives the MT wording a "B" rating. 14:10 "The heart knows its own bitterness" This seems to be an affirmation of each of our own experiences of the loneliness of evil (cf. v. 14; Prov. 9:12). This verse is not in a parallel structure. 14:11 "The house of the wicked will be destroyed" "House" and "tent" refer to one's family. Sin bears the seeds of its own destruction and it moves through families (i.e., Exod. 20:5). The word "wicked" (BDB 957, KB 1295; NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 1201-1204) is used often in Wisdom Literature. It is contrasted with "the righteous" (cf. Prov. 14:11,32). This was a way to illustrate "the two ways" (cf. Deuteronomy 30; Psalm 1). ▣ NASB, NKJV, REB, JPSOA, Peshitta "will flourish" "flourishes" TEV, LXX "will still be standing" "will prosper" The MT has the VERB (BDB 827 I, KB 965, Hiphil IMPERFECT) which is literally "cause to bud" (cf. Prov. 11:28; Job 14:9; Ps. 92:13; Isa. 17:11; Ezek. 17:24). The LXX translation seems to come from Prov. 12:7, which also mentions "the house of. . ." This thought is also discussed in Matt. 7:24-27. 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man" This same proverb is found in Prov. 16:25. It seems to refer to shortcuts or self-oriented living, not the desire to follow God. All humans are affected by the Fall of Genesis 3 (cf. Rom. 3:9-18,23). Only God "knows" what is true and right (cf. Isa. 55:6-11). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL 14:13 "Even in laughter the heart may be in pain" There are two possibilities for interpreting this proverb: (1) laughter is fleeting, (2) laughter is no ultimate answer to life's problems. There are two books that have helped me in this area. I commend them to you. John W. Wenham, The Goodness of God Hannah Whithall Smith, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life The author of Ecclesiastes has also helped me by his recurrent admonition to "enjoy the simple pleasures of life daily" (i.e., Eccl. 2:24; 3:12,13,22; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7-9). The fall of Adam and Eve has affected everything negatively! 14:14 "The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways" See the parallel thought in Prov. 1:31; 12:21. Real joy is found only in God and His ways. See note at v. 22. 14:15 "The naive believes everything" Be careful not to accept all testimony as ultimate truth (i.e., 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). For "naive" see NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 714-716. Basically it means "inexperienced." 14:16 "A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil" Proverbs 14:16a is parallel to v. 15b. This refers to daily choices based on God's word, not human selfishness. ▣ "fool" See note at Prov. 1:22 and NIDOTTE, vol. 2, pp. 678-689. 14:17 "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly" Temper is bad but evil scheming is worse. ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV, JPSOA "is hated" "is patient" "remains calm" "is detestable" "by careful thought" "is moderate" "endures many things" "will be long suffering" The MT has the VERB (BDB 971, KB 1338, Niphal IMPERFECT) which means "hate," but the LXX and Peshitta have "he bears" (BDB 669, #2). ישׂנא ‒ "is hated" ינשׂא ‒ "he bears" The UBS Text Project, p. 493, gives the MT a "C" rating (cnsiderable doubt). 14:18 NASB, NKJV, Peshitta "inherit" "are adorned with" "for their portion" "wear the trappings of folly" "the lot of" "partake" The MT has the VERB (BDB 635, KB 686, Qal PERFECT; NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 745) which basically means "to get" or "to take as a possession." In Proverbs it is often translated "inherit" (cf. Prov. 3:35; 8:21; 11:29; 13:22; 28:10). The naive receive folly from their family and friends. 14:19 "The evil will bow down before the good" Righteousness will ultimately overcome (i.e., Prov. 11:29). This is not "positive thinking" but the Mosaic covenant's worldview. 14:20 "The poor is hated even by his neighbor" True friends are hard to find (cf. Prov. 19:4). Often one's relationships are based on personal gain or advantage, not friendship. 14:21 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta "his neighbor" "to the poor" NJB, LXX "the needy" "the hungry" "his fellow" The MT has "his neighbor" (BDB 945). The UBS Text Project, p. 494, gives this a "B" rating (some doubt). "his neighbor" ‒ לרעהו "a hungry (man)" ‒ לרעב ▣ "But happy is he who is gracious to the poor" God is pleased when we share what we have with those in need (cf. Prov. 14:31; 19:17; 28:27). Humanity is one family made by God (cf. Prov. 22:2; Gen. 1:26-27). SPECIAL TOPIC: WEALTH The NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 204, #3, has an interesting list about the use of the adjective "gracious" (lit. "kind," BDB 335, KB 334, Poel PARTICIPLE). This root expresses regular gracious actions toward the young or the old ‒ Deut. 28:50 those who suffer ‒ Job 19:21 the poor ‒ Prov. 14:21,31; 28:8 the oppressed ‒ Dan. 4:27 Remember, YHWH defends the poor (cf. Deut. 10:17-18) but opposes the proud, arrogant, and wicked. 14:22 "But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good" We reap what we sow (cf. Gal. 6:7). See full note and list of biblical texts online in Galatians 6. 14:23 "In all labor there is profit" The author of Ecclesiastes says that labor without God is vain (cf. Eccl. 2:24-26). The author of Proverbs says that work can be meaningful (cf. Prov. 12:11; 21:17; 28:19). God gave mankind work before the Fall (cf. Gen. 2:15). 14:24 NASB, NKJV, NJB, Peshitta "their riches" NRSV, RSV "their wisdom" TEV, REB, JPSOA "with wealth" "smart man" The MT has "their riches" (BDB 799, KB 898) but the UBS Text Project, p. 494, gives this only a "B" rating (some doubt). עשרם ‒ "their wealth" ערמתם ‒ "their cleverness" SPECIAL TOPIC: WEALTH ▣ The second line of verse 24 is a play on the words "fool" and "folly." NOUN ‒ folly (BDB 17, KB 22) NOUN ‒ fools (BDB 493 I, KB 489 I) NOUN ‒ folly (BDB 17, KB 22) The UBS Text Project, p. 495, gives a "B" rating to RSV "(but folly) is the garland of (fools)"; also note the REB. 14:25 "A truthful witness saves lives" This refers to faithful/truthful witnesses in court. It took two witnesses in a trial (cf. Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15) to convict. 14:26 "children will have refuge" This NOUN ("refuge," BDB 340, KB 337) is a recurrent them in Wisdom Literature, especially the Psalms. Humans seek refuge in Israel's covenant God. 2 Sam. 22:3,31 Ps. 2:12; 5:11; 7:1; 11:1; 16:1; 17:7; 18:2,30; 25:20; 31:1,19; 34:8,22; 36:7; 37:40; 57:1 (twice); 61:4; 64:10; 71:1; 91:4; 118:8,9; 141:8; 144:2 Prov. 14:26,32; 30:5 He and He alone is fallen mankind's only hope (cf. Deut. 32:37; Ruth 2:2; Nah. 1:7; Zeph. 3:12). Where do you seek refuge? We pass on who we are to our children (cf. Deut. 5:9; 7:9). Parents are admonished to teach their children about God (cf. Deut. 4:9,10; 6:7,20-25; 11:19; 32:46) SPECIAL TOPIC: REFUGE (OT) 14:27 "The fear of the Lord" This is a recurrent theme in Proverbs (cf. Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 14:2,26,27; 15:33). It is a worldview and a daily guide! SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT) ▣ "a fountain of life" This same imagery is in Prov. 13:14. For desert people this was powerful life-saving imagery! NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 1088, #2, lists the ways this phrase is used. YHWH's lovingkindness ‒ Ps. 36:9 the mouth of the righteous ‒ Prov. 10:11 the instruction of the wise ‒ Prov. 13:14 the fear of the Lord ‒ Prov. 14:27 understanding ‒ Prov. 16:22 YHWH can dry up this life-giving fountain (cf. Jer. 51:36; Hosea 13:15). 14:29 Anger is another recurrent theme in Proverbs. Being "slow to anger" is specifically mentioned in Prov. 16:32; 19:11; also note Eccl. 7:9; James 1:19. The CONSTRUCT "slow to anger" is literally "long-faced/nostril" (BDB 74 CONSTRUCT BDB 60 I). The opposite is "quick tempered," which literally is "short of face/nostril" (cf. v. 17). The ADJECTIVE ruah (BDB 924) is used in the sense of "disposition," "attitude," "mood," or "inclination" (NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 1074-1075, #4). SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE 14:30 "A tranquil heart is life to the body" Anger and bitterness will destroy our physical and spiritual lives (cf. Prov. 15:13; 17:22). They are an emotional cancer (TEV) only God can handle! SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART ▣ NASB, NRSV, JPSOA "passion" NKJV, NJB, REB "envy" "jealousy" "a cause of decay" "wrath" BDB 888 lists several possible meanings. ardor zeal jealousy KB 1111 adds "enmity," "animosity," "anger," or "wrath." This term is used of human attitudes towards other humans in Job 5:2; Ps. 119:139; Ezek. 35:11. These attitudes are an emotional cancer that destroys the person who harbors them, not the object of their anger! 14:31 "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker" All humans are important to God! (cf. Prov. 17:5; Job 31:15). We are all in this world together; we need to act like it. When believers help other believers they do it as unto the Lord (cf. Prov. 19:7; Matt. 10:40-42; 25:35-46; Mark 9:41; Eph. 6:7-9; Col. 3:23-24). This really makes it very important to show mercy to other believers in need (i.e., James 2:14-26). 14:32 "The wicked. . .the righteous" All humans are important to God! However, there is a distinction in the afterlife (cf. v. 27). The rabbis affirmed this in their theory that Sheol is divided into a righteous section (i.e., "paradise") and a wicked section (i.e., "tartarus"). See full note online at Luke 23:43. SPECIAL TOPIC: SHEOL, I. B. ▣ "when he dies" NKJV, JPSOA "in his death" NRSV, TEV, NJB "in his integrity" "in their honesty" "in his own piety" The MT has "in his death" (BDB 560). The UBS Text Project, p. 496, cannot decide whether the MT or LXX ("in his integrity") has the original text. This line of poetry affirms a belief in an afterlife (i.e., Dan. 12:2; and possibly Job 19:25-27). Rashi said it referred to the Garden of Eden. The choices made in life have consequences into the afterlife! 14:33 "Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding" This line of poetry has two possibilities: wise men do not flaunt knowledge even fools have some knowledge ▣ "heart. . .bosom" The "heart" was seen as the intellectual and volitional center but "bosom" (BDB 899, KB 1135; NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 978-979) denotes the lower organs of the abdomen, which were seen as the seat of the emotions. ▣ NASB, NKJV "it is made known" NRSV, Peshitta "it is not known" "fools know nothing" "is not to be found" "is suppressed" "makes itself known" "it is not discerned" The textual question is over the word "not," which is not in the MT but makes the parallel between the two lines of poetry better. The UBS Text Project, p. 497, gives its absence a "B" rating. 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation" Covenant obedience is corporate as well as individual (2 Chr. 7:14). ▣ NASB, TEV, NJB "disgrace" NKJV, NRSV, JPSOA, Peshitta "reproach" "degrades" "diminish" This Hebrew root, חסד (BDB 338-340 II) has two distinct meanings, therefore, probably originally two separate terms. lovingkindness, covenant loyalty, BDB 338 I (see SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS) shame, reproach, BDB 340 II, NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 210 (cf. Lev. 20:17) 14:35 "The king's favor is toward a servant who acts wisely" Efficiency is rewarded.