Proverbs 14

Wise and foolish women, verse 1. Walking aright and declining, 2,14. Foolish and wise speeches, 3,7. Tillage,4. Witnesses, 5,25. Scorners, 6. Prudence and simplicity, 8,15,18. Confession of sin, 9. Sorrow and joy of heart, 10,13,30. Condition of the wicked and the godly, 11,32. Self-conceit, 12. Prudence and sudden anger, 16,17,29. The wicked must stand in awe of the good, 19. Poverty and riches, 20,23,24,31. Despising ones neighbour, 21. Doing evil and good, 22. Hard labour and vain talking, 23. Fear of the Lord, 26,27. The glory of Kings, 28. Oppression, and love of the poor, 31. Wisdom, 33. The honour and shame of a people, 34. Kings servants, 35.

1. Every wise woman [Hebr. The wife of women, that is, whosoever is wise among women. Compare Gen. Chap.47.on verse 3. And Job 12. On verse 7. And bel.verse 9.] buildeth her house: [to wit, by bringing up her children godlily, by ruling her servants wisely, and by keeping the whole family in good order. So is the word building, or to build taken, below chap.24.3.] but she that is very foolish [Hebr. Folly, or, foolishness; that is, very foolish; as if he had said, she that is folly it self. See Job 35.on verse 13.] breaketh it down with her hands. [that is, with her doing and omitting. Thus that which is rendered to a man for that which he doth and omitteth, is called the recompence, or, reward of his hands. Isa.3.11.]

2. He that walketh in his uprightness [Comp. Abo.chap.2. the annotations on verse 7. Upon the words walking uprightly] feareth the LORD: but he that declineth [to wit, from the way. So above chapter 2.15. see the annot.] in his ways, [that is, in his own intention, doing and omitting. See Gen.6.on verse 12.] despiseth him. [to wit, the Lord.]

3. In the mouth of the foolish, is a rod of pride: [That is, proud and lofty rod or staff, wherewith he partly beateth others, when he boldly slandereth and backbiteth them; partly himself, when being found and taken in his lies, he gets as it were a back blow thereby] but the lips of the wise preserve them. [to wit, by their courteous, wise, and prudent sayings, from falling into the evil and mischief of fools.]

4. When there are no oxen, [So is the Hebrew word taken, Deut.7.13. and 28. Verse 4,18,51. Psa.8.8. Understand this of the oxen, wherewith they were wont to plow and to do all manner of husbandry, Deut.22.10. and 25.4.] then the crib is clean: [that is, empty of fodder and provision for beasts, and consequently of fruits of the ground needful for the sustentation of man. Thus want of bread or victual is called cleanness (that is emptiness) of teeth, Amos 4.verse 6. Compare ab.chap.12.11. and below chap.28.verse 19.] but by the strength of the oxe there is much increase.

5. A true witness [Hebr. A witness of truth. So below verse 25. And in the following words. Hebr. A witness of falsehood] will not lie; but a false witness bloweth lies. [so above chap.6.19. and below verse 25.]

6. The scorner seeketh wisdom, and there is none: [To wit, at hand, or, to be found, because the scorner seeketh it not, as he ought to do, and where it is to be found] but knowledge is easy [to wit, to be found] to him that hath understanding. [because he seeketh it as her ought to do, and where it is to be found.]

7. Go away from the presence of a foolish man, for thou shalt nor perceive (within him) the lips of knowledge. [That is, lips that utter wise and virtuous speeches, and consequently he himself is not of wise and virtuous heart: for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, Mat.12.34. Compare above chap.12.on verse 19.]

8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: [That is, what he ought to intend, do, and leave undone] but the folly of fools is deceit. [to wit, because they, regarding not what is well, or ill done, are hurtful unto others, and in the end are deceived themselves.]

9. Every fool will set a fair glance upon guilt: [Meaning sin, wherein he findeth himself, or those that are his, to be guilty. The meanings is, that fools will seek to extenuate, cloak, and excuse sin with fair words, and seeming reasons, that it may appear to be more like unto virtue, then to vice. Oth. Will make a mock at sin; that is, make a laughing-stock or a may-game of it, for every one to make it his sport, and pastime, and in no wise to grieve at it] but among the upright (there) is good will. [to wit, whereby one man doth not hurt or wrong another, either in words or in deeds; or if felleth his fault, and the matter is taketh up in a friendly way, so that there is no need of such feigned excuses, and coloured extenuations of sin, when they have trespassed one against another.]

10. The heart knoweth his own [Hebr. His souls. Compare 1 Kin.19.on verse 4.] bitter grief: [Hebr. Bitterness: that is, bitter grief, and sorrow. See 2 Kin.4.on verse 27.] and a stranger will not mingle himself with his joy: [to wit, with the joy that is hid in another mans heart: for every man alone knoweth the sorrow, and the joy that is in his own heart, 1 Cor.2.11. Rev.2.17.]

11. The house [That is, the habitation, city, riches, and posterity. See above chapter 12.on verse 7.] of the wicked shall be destroyed: but the Tent of the upright [that is, their mean dwelling. See 2 Kin.13.on verse 5.] shall flourish.

12. There is a way [That is, a course of life. See above chap.6.on verse 6. So in the following clause of this verse] which seemeth right unto a man; [Heb. before the face of a man; that is, in his eyes, and judgement. So below chapter 16.25. Compare Eccles.2.26. and 7.26.] but the last [or, the hindmost, the end. See of the Hebrew word, Psal.37.on verse 37.] therefore are the ways of death. [that is, courses, which lead unto death, or, which cause death and destruction. Compare Jer.21.8.]

13. The heart shall have sorrow [To wit, inward sorrow, which is covered with an outward shew of joy] even in laughter: [that is, when a man sheweth outward tokens of joy] and the last of that mirth [to wit, of that laughter] is heaviness. [understand this and the former clause of that which happeneth often, but ones always.]

14. He that is a back-slinder in heart, [That is, he that is revolted from God, or from his commandments and paths. So Psalms 44:19.] shall be satisfied with his (own) ways; [that is, with his own doings, and omissions or neglects repugnant to the law of God. See Gen.6.on verse 12. That is, he shall, according to his desert, be fed and nourished by God, with just punishments. See Job 7.on verse 4.] but a good man, from himself. [to wit, shall be satisfied, and filled. That is, shall have his sufficiency, to wit, in the reward, wherewith God will graciously recompence his goodiness, and vertous behaviour Oth. But a good man (back-slideth) or, (departed) from him: to wit, from him that is a back-slider in heart, whereby he also escapeth his punishments. Oth. from his; to wit, ways.]

15. The simple believeth all (or every) word: [Or, thing: to wit, whatsoever it might or could be, whether true or false, honest, or dsihonest, profitable, or hurtful unto him] but the prudent (man) looketh well to his going. [that is, taketh heed to himself, that in his conversation and dealing with men, he go not on through vain credulity upon every mans saying.]

16. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth exceedingly, [To wit, against those that warn and threaten him in the name of God, persuading himself that he hath no need of it] and is careless.

17. He that is hast to wrath [Hebrew short of wraths: that is, soon angry, short-handed, forward, pettish; who below verse 29. Is called short of spirit] shall commit folly: and a man of heinous devices [the Hebrew word, whereof see Job 21, on verse 27. Is here taken in a bad sense, as above chapter 12.2. Others take it a good sense, for discretion, as a man of discretion; that is, that taketh timely deliberation, that rusheth not upon matters rashly and unadvisedly, but breaketh and bridleth himself a whiles; he that is thus qualified, is hated, to wit, of the wicked, or, of wicked men] shall be hated.

18. The simple inherit folly: [That is, enjoy the hurtful fruit of it, which is to fall more and more into folly, and so to increase Gods displeasure against themselves, and to reap shame and disgrace by men, with the utter ruine and destruction both of soul and body] but the prudent shall crown themselves with knowledge, and so excel, as that they shall be adorned and beautiful with it, as with a crown.]

19. The evil bow down before the face of the good: [Which sometimes cometh to pass, because they are here humbled and brought low by the mighty hand of God, and the good are exalted, or because their consciences do compel them to honour virtue in those that be virtuous. Compare Gen.4. the annotations on verse 7.] and the wicked before the gates of the righteous. [Oth. Are at the gates, &c. To wit, to beg comfort, advice, and help of them, they having been humbled and cast down by the judgements of God.]

20. The poor is hated even of his (own) friend: [The Hebrew word signifieth every man, with whom we have any dealings, and whom we term our neighbour, as Gen.11.3. Exod.21.14. Lev.19.18. and here in the next verse, etc. But in this place it is taken for a friend, companion, or acquaintance, as 2 Sam.16.17. Job 16:20. Prov.19.6. Mich.7.5, &c.] but the lovers of the rich are many.

21. He that despiseth his neighbour, [To wit, because of his poverty, adversity, misery, low estate, or the like, as may be gathered from the opposition] sinneth: [Oth. A sinner despiseth his neighbour] but he that hath mercy on the humble, [or, meek. Understand those, who together with their misery and affliction being of a soft mind, modest, and humble, or lowly, do not easily break out into anger and wrath, and therefore may soon oppressed. See Psalm 10.on verse 17.] happy is he.

22. Do they not erre, [This kind of asking doth strongly affirm and assert the thing, whereof mention is made. They erre, to wit, not only from the scope, and end, which they propound unto themselves, but chiefly and principally from their welfare and happiness, so that they come to ruine and destruction] that contrive evil? [that is, that do forge, invent, devise, and practise mischief, to hurt and wound their neighbour thereby. See of the Hebrew word, above chapter 3.on verse 29.] but mercy, [to wit, as well from godly men, as from God himself, who according to his promises, is merciful and gracious to those that are good and upright] and faithfulness, is for those that contrive good.

23. In all painful labour, [To wit, which is well and honestly performed according to a mans calling] there is an overplus: [that is, gain, profit, and something over and above] but the word of the of the lips [meaning all vain and idle words, which tend to another use, then to lose and trifle away precious time, to a mans great hurt and detriment: of which see above chap.to penury.

24. The crown of the wise [That is, the ornament, which maketh them gracious and honourable in the sight of men. See above ch.12. on verse 4.] is their riches: [to wit, because they use them well, being therewith thankful unto God, merciful unto their neighbour, and sober toward themselves] the foolishness of fools [to wit, that are rich] is folly. [that is, abideth, tendeth not to make them honourable and gracious before men, but to bring them to shame and contempt, as folly is shameful and desicable in the eyes of all men, and whatsoever they have, profiteth them nothing at all, but tendeth to their meer folly and disgrace.]

25. A true witness [Hebr. Witness of truth; so above verse 5.] delivereth [that is, freeth and delivereth from death] souls: [that is, men, whom they seek to slay by slanderings, and false accusations] but he that bloweth lies, [so above verse 5. And ch.6.19. See the annot. Understanding here lies, wherewith a man is burdened and oppressed unto death] is a deceiver. [Hebr. Deceit. So above chap.12. verse 24. And 13.6. Sin for sinner. Oth. But a deceiver bloweth forth lies.]

26. In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: [Hebr. Confidence of strength; that is, strong confidence; namely, for them that fear the Lord. So Psalms 71:7.] and he will be a refuge unto his children. [meaning the children of God, or the children of them that fear him, and rely upon him, unto whom he is therefore favourable.]

27. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, [That is, as a fountain out of which life floweth forth. Compare above chap.10,11. And the annot.] to depart from the snares of death. [see above chap.13.on verse 14.]

28. In the multitude of people is the Kings glory; but in the want of people is the disturbance of a Prince. [Oth. The disturbance, or, the destruction, or, the breaking of a Princedom, or, of a Dominion.]

29. The long-suffering (person) [Hebr. Long of wraths: that is, not soon angry. See Exod.34.on verse 6.] is of great understanding, [or hath much understanding, which he discovereth by this, in that he knoweth how to bear wrongs and injuries patiently, and can beware of doing any thing that may truly oppose honour and virtue] but he that is hasty of mind, [Hebr. Short of spirit: that is, soon angry. See above on verse 17. And compare Eccles.7.9.] exalteth folly. [that is, setteth it as it were on high, and bringeth it into open light, to be seen of all men, forasmuch as in his anger he doth those things, which cannot consist with honour and virtue.]

30. A sound heart [Hebr. An heart of soundness, or, health. Meaning an heart, or mind, that is clean and free from all evil affections, passions, and motions against a mans neighbour, and especially from envy, whereof here properly mention is made] is the life of the flesh: [that is, the health and welfare of the body. So to live, is taken for to be healed, and to recover, or to enjoy bodily health, 2 Kings 8:8. See there the annot. The Hebrew word rendered here flesh, is used in the plural number, to signify that a sound and healthy heart doth not onely do good to his own body, but also to the bodies of others] but envy is the rottenness of the bones. [that is, of the innermost parts and members of the body, and consequently also of the innermost powers and facuilties of the soul. See Job 7.on verse 15. Compare above chap.12.4. and the annot. Also below chap.17.22. and the annot.]

31. He that oppresseth the poor [To wit, by deceit, or violence. Compare below chapter 22.16. and the annot. Ezek.18.18.] reproacheth his Maker: [see Job 4.on verse 17. Compare below chapter 17.5.] but he that hath compassion on the needy, he honoureth him. [compare above verse 21.]

32. The wicked shall be driven away in his evil: [Meaning the evil of punishment; that is, in his mischief, misery, and adversity: Oth. For his badness, or, wickedness sake, understanding this of the evil of sin] but the righteous trusteth [to wit, in God] (even) in his death. [that is, not only in all manner of adversity incident to this life, but also in death, which either naturally befalleth him, or is violently offered to him. See Job 13.verse 15.]

33. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: [To wit, it is locked up in his heart, as in a Cabinet, that he may bring it forth in due time and place. Compare above chapter 10.14. and 12 23. And 13.16.] but that which is in the innermost (parts) of fools is known. [to wit, the folly that is in their heart, or, the wisdom which they pour out indiscreetly and unseasonably. Oth. But in the midst of fools she is known. To wit, when they are convinced in their consciences by the godly, or when the difference, that is betwixt fools and wise men, is perceived.]

34. Righteousness exalteth a people: [To wit, so as that it is blessed of God, and is famous and renowned among men] but sin is a reproach of nations. [that is, it bringeth shame and reproach of nations. [that is, it bringeth shame and reproach upon nations. See this signification of the Hebrew word chesed, Lev.20.on verse 17.]

35. The Kings good pleasure is toward an understanding servant: [Of the word servant, see Gen.20.on verse 8.] but his wrath shall be (against) him that maketh ashamed. [to wit, his King, and himself. Compare above cha.10.on verse 5.]