Proverbs 28:14
Proverbs 28:14 in Multiple Translations
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Happy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
Blessed is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into euill.
O the happiness of a man fearing continually, And whoso is hardening his heart falleth into evil.
Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Blessed is the man that is always fearful: but he that is hardened in mind, shall fall into evil.
God is pleased with those who always revere him, but those who are stubborn [IDM] will experience disasters.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
אָ֭דָם
מְפַחֵ֣ד
תָּמִ֑יד
וּ/מַקְשֶׁ֥ה
לִ֝בּ֗/וֹ
יִפּ֥וֹל
בְּ/רָעָֽה
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
ʼesher
H835
blessed
N-mp
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
מְפַחֵ֣ד
pâchad
H6342
to dread
V-Piel
תָּמִ֑יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
וּ/מַקְשֶׁ֥ה
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
Conj | V-Hiphil
לִ֝בּ֗/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
יִפּ֥וֹל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:14
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
מְפַחֵ֣ד
pâchad
H6342
"to dread"
V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to feel fear or dread, like being startled by a sudden alarm. It appears in the Bible when people are in awe or fear of God. The book of Proverbs uses it to describe the fear of the Lord.
Definition: 1) to fear, tremble, revere, dread, be in awe or dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be in dread 1a2) to be in awe 1b) (Piel) to be in great dread 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to dread
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, (be in) fear, make to shake. See also: Deuteronomy 28:66; Isaiah 12:2; Psalms 14:5.
תָּמִ֑יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
וּ/מַקְשֶׁ֥ה
qâshâh
H7185
"to harden"
Conj | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
לִ֝בּ֗/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יִפּ֥וֹל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בְּ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:14
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:14
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. 16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:17 | Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:11 | Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. |
| 3 | Isaiah 66:2 | Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 32:40 | I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:17 | Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. |
| 6 | Romans 11:20 | That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. |
| 7 | Hebrews 4:1 | Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. |
| 8 | Psalms 112:1 | Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. |
| 9 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 10 | Psalms 95:8 | do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, |
Proverbs 28:14 Summary
[Proverbs 28:14 teaches us that having a reverent heart towards God is key to living a blessed life, as it says that the man who is always reverent will be blessed. This means having a deep respect and awe for God, recognizing His presence and authority in our lives. On the other hand, hardening our hearts to God's voice can lead to trouble, as seen in Hebrews 3:8 and 3:15. By fearing the Lord and being reverent, we can gain wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:10, and experience God's blessings and protection, as seen in Psalm 34:7 and Psalm 115:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'always reverent' as mentioned in Proverbs 28:14?
Being always reverent means having a deep respect and awe for God, recognizing His presence and authority in our lives, as seen in Psalm 111:10, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
How does hardening our hearts lead to trouble?
Hardening our hearts means refusing to listen to God's voice and ignoring His warnings, which can lead to spiritual blindness and ultimately, trouble, as warned in Hebrews 3:8 and 3:15, where it says that a hardened heart can lead to missing out on God's rest.
Is it possible to change from having a hardened heart to being reverent?
Yes, it is possible to change, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:3, where the Israelites turned their hearts to the Lord, and in 2 Chronicles 30:6-9, where King Hezekiah called the people to return to the Lord, demonstrating that it's never too late to turn back to God and experience His mercy and blessings.
What are the consequences of being reverent and fearing the Lord?
The consequences of being reverent and fearing the Lord are many, including gaining wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:10, and experiencing God's blessings and protection, as seen in Psalm 34:7 and Psalm 115:11, where it says that those who fear the Lord will be blessed and will lack no good thing.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to show more reverence to God, and how can I start doing that today?
- How can I balance the fear of the Lord with the love and kindness that He also shows us, as mentioned in 1 John 4:8?
- In what ways have I hardened my heart to God's voice in the past, and what can I do to soften it and become more receptive to His leading?
- What are some practical ways I can cultivate a sense of reverence in my daily life, such as in my prayer life or in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:14
Happy [is] the man that feareth alway,.... Not men, but the Lord; there is a fear and reverence due to men, according to the stations in which they are; but a slavish fear of man, and which deters
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Happy is the man that feareth alway - in prosperity as well as adversity (Proverbs 14:16).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man, because he shall thereby avoid that mischief which befalls fearless sinners, which is expressed in the next clause, and procure that eternal salvation which they lose. That feareth, to wit, the offence and judgments of God; who having confessed and forsaken his sins, as was now said, is afraid to return to them again, and careful to avoid them, and all occasions of them. Alway; in all times, companies, and conditions; not only in the time of great trouble, when even hypocrites will in some sort be afraid of sinning, but in times of outward peace and prosperity. That hardeneth his heart; that goeth on obstinately and securely in sinful courses, casting off due reverence to God, and just fear of his threatenings and judgments.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
Proverbs 28:14 Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.Ver. 14. Blessed is the man that feareth always.] That is "in the fear of the Lord all day long." Duo sunt timores Dei, servilis et amicalis, saith Bede: There is a twofold fear of God - servile and filial; perfect love casts out the former, breeds and feeds the latter. By this "fear of the Lord it is that men depart from evil," that they shake off security, that they abound in God’ s work, that they may abide in his love, that they set a jealous eye upon their own hearts, and suspect a snake under every flower, a snare in every creature, and do therefore "feed with fear," and "rejoice in fear," "pass the whole time of their sojourning here in fear," yea, "work out their whole salvation with fear and trembling." Oh the blessedness of such! But he that hardeneth his heart.] As a perfect stranger to God’ s holy fear. The contrite heart ever "trembles at God’ s word" "Why hast thou hardened our hearts from thy fear," which, as fire doth iron, mollifies the hardest heart, and makes it malleable. Fear is a fruit of repentance, which intenerates the heart, and makes it capable of Divine impressions, as Josiah. On the other side, the Jews feared not God because of a rebellious heart. Shall fall into mischief.] Manifold mischief, ruin without remedy The incestuous person, though delivered up to Satan, repented and recovered: but he that is delivered up to a hard heart, to a dead and dedolent disposition, is in a manner desperate and deplored; he "heaps up wrath against the day of wrath." This made a reverent man once say, If I must be put to my choice, I had rather be in hell with a sensible heart than on earth with a reprobate mind. A hard heart is, in some respect, worse than hell: since one of the greatest sins is far greater in evil than any of the greatest punishments, as one hath well observed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
(14) Happy is the man that feareth alway lest he should fall, and so, distrusting himself, seeks heavenly aid (Philippians 2:12). He that hardeneth his heart.—(Comp. Exodus 8:15, sqq.) Shall fall into mischief.—As he will have lost the guidance and protection of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
Verse 14. Happy is the man that feareth alway] That ever carries about with him that reverential and filial fear of God, which will lead him to avoid sin, and labour to do that which is lawful and right in the sight of God his Saviour.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:14
14. feareth] i.e. to do wrong, with a wise and godly caution. ὂςκαταπτήσσειπάνταδιʼ ? εὐλάβειαν, LXX. Comp. the N.T. use of εὐλάβεια and its cognates, Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews 11:7. mischief] “Or, calamity,” R.V. marg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:14
The “fear” here is not so much reverential awe, as anxious, or “nervous” sensitiveness of conscience. To most men this temperament seems that of the self-tormentor.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:14
14. Feareth always — That is, to offend God, or do injury to men, and hence is watchful, prayerful.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fear of the Lord by Winkie Pratney | Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are im |
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1 Samuel 15 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and not taking them lightly. He uses the example of Saul, who was given the task of executing justi |
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Don't Soften the Reality of Hell by Charles Leiter | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and the seriousness of sin and its consequences, highlighting the need for a change of heart to avoid perishing. It addresses th |
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Hindrances to Spiritual Growth by Shane Idleman | This sermon focuses on hindrances to spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of unity, forgiveness, and looking to Jesus for salvation, spiritual growth, and rest. It highligh |
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God Resists the Proud Marriage by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the destructive nature of pride in marriage, explaining that God resists the proud but shows grace to the humble. He highlights how pride can lead to a har |
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Hardness of Heart by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the 'Hardness of Heart' in his sermon, emphasizing how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, failed to understand due to their hardened hearts. He ex |
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The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of heeding God's warnings and messages, emphasizing the consequences of indifference towards His word. He draws parallels between histor |