Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 14

Building or tearing down a home is a metaphor for making a family stronger or weaker.

• The path symbolizes life and behavior (see Proverbs 2:13, 20; 3:6; 4:11; 6:23).

• fears the LORD: See Proverbs 1:7.

People can use a foolish person's words against them.

It is easy to keep a stable clean if it is empty, but a farmer without an ox cannot harvest crops.

Honest speech and lies both come from a person's character. Compare Proverbs 12:17.

Wise people admit their mistakes and sins, which leads to change and making peace. Fools try to defend themselves by mocking guilt.

No one can completely understand another person's emotions (compare Psalm 103:14; Isaiah 63:9; Nahum 1:7; Romans 8:27). Bitterness and joy are opposites in emotions. This poetic device, called merism, refers to these extremes to cover all emotions in between.

A house is usually more stable than a tent, but wickedness destroys and tears down, while godliness builds up (Proverbs 14:1).

The best choice may not always appear correct at first glance (see Matthew 7:13–14). See the parallel passage in Proverbs 16:25

A person's appearance might not show their true feelings.

Backsliders act foolishly against what they know is good, right, and wise.

Short-tempered people do not think about the consequences before getting angry. Planners think ahead, but people dislike them for their harmful actions.

inherit folly: A person's true nature and attitude will eventually show in their behavior.

This proverb might advise moderation, suggesting having neither too little nor too much (Proverbs 30:7–9).

blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor: See also Proverbs 3:27–28; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14.

This proverb shares a general idea. Sometimes, fools have wealth (Proverbs 10:2; 11:18), and poverty does not always come from foolishness (compare Proverbs 13:23; 16:8).

A king's success is shown by the well-being and growth of the people, not by wealth or military victory.

Wise people manage their emotions and express them in the right way.

A peaceful heart has settled its inner conflicts. Being free from jealousy is good for physical health.

• Wise people help the poor (compare Proverbs 11:24–26; 28:27; see Leviticus 19:9–10; Deuteronomy 15:11; 24:10–15; Isaiah 3:14–15; Jeremiah 2:34; see also James 2:1–13).

• taunts their Maker: See also Proverbs 17:5.

Proverbs rarely mentions life after death. Some scholars believe this verse means God gives courage to face death with dignity and calmness.

A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories (Proverbs 14:28) but by its moral values.