THE WAY OF WISDOM PROVERBS 14:1-35 - Bible Study Workshop · 2011. 12. 10. · Proverbs 14:1, The...
Transcript of THE WAY OF WISDOM PROVERBS 14:1-35 - Bible Study Workshop · 2011. 12. 10. · Proverbs 14:1, The...
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THE WAY OF WISDOM
PROVERBS 14:1-35
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The Way of Wisdom
Text:
Proverbs 14:1-35,
1 The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD,
but he whose ways are devious despises him.
3 A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.
5 A truthful witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a foolish man,
for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
but goodwill is found among the upright.
10
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
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11
The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12
There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
13
Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and joy may end in grief.
14
The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
and the good man rewarded for his.
15
A simple man believes anything,
but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
16
A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17
A quick-tempered man does foolish things,
and a crafty man is hated.
18
The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19
Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20
The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.
21
He who despises his neighbor sins,
but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
22
Do not those who plot evil go astray?
But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
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23
All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24
The wealth of the wise is their crown,
but the folly of fools yields folly.
25
A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is deceitful.
26
He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge.
27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
28
A large population is a king’s glory,
but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29
A patient man has great understanding,
but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
33
Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
and even among fools she lets herself be known.
34
Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
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35
A king delights in a wise servant,
but a shameful servant incurs his wrath. (NIV 1984)
Introduction:
I. “The first twenty-seven proverbs of Chapter 14 are designed to help
one find the path of wisdom and stay on it,” Smith well wrote.
II. Verses 18 and 35 are royal proverbs while the intervening verses,
although individually applicable, may be intended as special advice for
kings, Smith further wrote.
Commentary:
Note: Verses 1-7 teach that people who pursue wisdom find joy, and
those who don’t experience sadness. (Smith)
Proverbs 14:1, The wise woman builds her house, but with her own
hands the foolish one tears hers down. (NIV 1984)
I. The wise woman builds her house,…
A. The wise woman concentrates on being a positive influence on
her family, teaching them by word and example the way of the
Lord.
1. Sarah built up the house of Israel.
2. Jochebed, mother of Moses, certainly built her house
(McGee)
B. “A woman who practices wisdom establishes a morally solid
household,” Bland wrote.
1. Proverbs 9:1, Wisdom has built her house; she has
hewn out its seven pillars. (NIV 1984)
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2. Proverbs 31:10-31, A wife of noble character who can
find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has
full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She
brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She
selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is
like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She
gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her
family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a
field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a
vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms
are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is
profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her
hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her
fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her
hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for
her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She
makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen
and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She
makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the
merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and
dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks
with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does
not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call
her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many
women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman
who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward
she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the
city gate. (NIV 1984)
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3. Proverbs 1:20, Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she
raises her voice in the public squares; (NIV 1984)
4. Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her
husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in
his bones. (NIV 1984)
5. Proverbs 24:3, By wisdom a house is built, and
through understanding it is established; (NIV 1984)
C. The wise woman loves her husband and children, acts in all
respects for the benefit of her family, is a strong team player, is
industrious, kind, considerate, etc.
1. “A good wife is the saving of a house.” (The Pulpit
Commentary)
II. but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
A. The foolish woman exerts a negative influence on her family,
teaching them by word and example the way of selfishness and
destruction of the home.
1. Proverbs 27:15-16, A quarrelsome wife is like a
constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like
restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. (NIV
1984)
2. Moral character or lack thereof reflects one’s standing
before the Lord. (See Bland.)
3. McGee cited Athaliah as such a foolish person.
a. 2 Chronicles 22:2-3, Ahaziah was twenty-two
years old when he became king, and he reigned in
Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was
Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. He too walked
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in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother
encouraged him in doing wrong. (NIV 1984)
B. Making derogatory remarks about one’s husband or wife or
sowing discord at home is something a fool would do. (See
Coffman.)
C. “Foolish, unprincipled women, by their bad management or
their evil doings, ruin their families materially and morally.” (The
Pulpit Commentary)
1. You may know of some women who fit this description.
Proverbs 14:2, He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he
whose ways are devious despises him. (NIV 1984)
I. He whose walk is upright fears the Lord,…
A. A righteous and godly life evidences to all that such a person
fears, respects and honors the Lord.
1. Our lives reveal our relationship or lack thereof with God.
(See McGee)
2. 1 John 2:6, Whoever claims to live in him must walk as
Jesus did. (NIV 1984)
3. Obedience to the Lord is absolutely essential to being
right with God. (See McGee)
a. 1 Samuel 15:22, But Samuel replied: “Does the
LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as
much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey
is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the
fat of rams. (NIV 1984)
II. but he whose ways are devious despises him.
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A. A devious, sinful life makes it clear that such a person despises
the Lord.
1. “Wickedness is proof that a person has lost all reverence
for God and concern about pleasing Him, “ Smith wrote. The
pulpit Commentary concurs.
2. John 3:19, This is the verdict: Light has come into the
world, but men loved darkness instead of light because
their deeds were evil. (NIV 1984)
B. The Vulgate renders this passage, “He who walks in the right
way and fears the Lord is despised by him who pursues the path of
shame.” (The Pulpit Commentary)
1. On occasion and in some circumstances sinners hate the
righteous.
a. Job 12:4, “I have become a laughingstock to my
friends, though I called upon God and he
answered— a mere laughingstock, though righteous
and blameless! (NIV 1984)
b. John 15:18-21, “If the world hates you, keep in
mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the
world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do
not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of
the world. That is why the world hates you.
Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is
greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they
will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching,
they will obey yours also. They will treat you this
way because of my name, for they do not know the
One who sent me. (NIV 1984)
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Note: The remarkable differences among various versions in the
renderings of some of the Proverbs attest to the difficulties involved in
determining their correct meanings. The original wordings, meanings of
some of the proverbs appear obscure.
Proverbs 14:3, A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of
the wise protect them. (NIV 1984)
I. A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,…
A. Flogging, caning was a frequently used punishment in
Solomon’s day.
B. The fool is sometimes so offensive in his speech that he is
sentenced to be flogged!
1. Slander still brings punishment to those foolish enough to
be guilty of legal violation of another’s reputation.
C. The Bible has much to say about sinful, foolish talk and
everywhere condemns it.
1. Psalm 57:4, I am in the midst of lions; I lie among
ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and
arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. (NIV 1984)
2. Psalm 63:3, Because your love is better than life, my
lips will glorify you. (NIV 1984)
3. Jeremiah 18:18, They said, “Come, let’s make plans
against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest
will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the
word from the prophets. So come, let’s attack him with
our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.”
(NIV 1984)
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D. Goliath’s foolish talk brought a rock to his head! (McGee)
1. 1 Samuel 17:43-44, He said to David, “Am I a dog, that
you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed
David by his gods. 44
“Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give
your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the
field!” (NIV 1984)
II. but the lips of the wise protect them.
A. The speech of the wise promotes peace and good will among
men as they speak courteously with a view to avoiding potential
harm to others. (See Smith and The Pulpit Commentary.)
1. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be
acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
(NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 13:3, He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (NIV 1984)
3. Proverbs 12:6, 18, The words of the wicked lie in wait
for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. 18
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the
wise brings healing. (NIV 1984)
B. David’s speech contrasts sharply with Goliath’s speech. (See
McGee.)
1. 1 Samuel 17:45, David said to the Philistine, “You come
against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come
against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God
of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (NIV
1984)
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Proverbs 14:4, Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but
from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. (NIV 1984)
I. Where there are no oxen (cattle), the manger (crib) is empty,…
A. No industry on the farm means no production, no profit.
1. Oxen were most valuable animals on the farm, but they did
require feeding and cleaning.
2. The person who was too lazy to care for the ox wouldn’t
have to clean the manger, but he would have to do without
the ox’s work. (See McGee.)
B. Oxen were essential to harvesting grain. If a farmer had no
oxen he would have no crop. (See Bland.)
C. A farmer who is not doing anything can keep a very neat barn!
(See Coffman.)
D. The Pulpit Commentary gives the meaning of this passage as,
“Without bullocks to labour in the fields, or cows to supply milk –
that is, without toil and industry, and necessary instruments – the
crib is empty, there is nothing to put in the granary, there are no
beasts to fatten.”
II. but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.
A. A busy farm with working people and animals produces an
abundant harvest.
1. Proverbs 12:11, He who works his land will have
abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks
judgment. (NIV 1984)
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B. The LXX reads, “Where fruits are plentiful the strength of the
ox is manifest.”
Proverbs 19:5, A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false
witness pours out lies. (NIV 1984)
I. A truthful witness does not deceive,…
A. A really truthful witness cannot be enticed to lie, deceive by
threats or bribery, Smith wrote. The Pulpit Commentary concurs.
B. How honest are you, totally or reasonably?
1. McGee reminds us that Jesus Christ is called the faithful
and true witness.
C. Truly honest people do not lie! (See Coffman.)
II. but a false witness pours (breathes) out lies.
A. “'A false witness breathes forth lies, ' i.e., lies pour out of his
mouth like breath from the nostrils,” Smith wrote.
1. Proverbs 6: 16, 19, There are six things the LORD
hates, seven that are detestable to him: 19
a false witness
who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension
among brothers. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 14:25, A truthful witness saves lives, but a
false witness is deceitful. (NIV 1984)
3. Proverbs 19:5, A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who pours out lies will not go free. (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 19:6, The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but
knowledge comes easily to the discerning. (NIV 1984)
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I. The mocker (scorner) seeks wisdom and finds none,…
A. Smith wrote that a mocker cannot find wisdom because he does
not fear the Lord.
1. Psalm 25:9, He guides the humble in what is right and
teaches them his way. (NIV 1984)
2. Psalm 111:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good
understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV
1984)
3. “True wisdom is not to be attained by those who are too
conceited to receive instruction, who presume to depend
upon their own judgment, and who weigh everything by their
own standard,” Smith wrote.
B. “Habitual cynicism and arrogance characterize” the mocker, the
fool, who seeks wisdom but does not have the humility to acquire
it, Bland wrote.
1. Wisdom may not be accessible to everyone, Bland
advised.
2. Proverbs 9:7-12, “Whoever corrects a mocker invites
insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do
not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise
man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will
be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his
learning. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding. For through me your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your
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wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone
will suffer.” (NIV 1984)
C. Coffman wrote, “The scoffer, the vain and wicked man who
recognizes no authority, not even the supreme authority of God’s
word, will never acquire any real wisdom and understanding.”
1. Clarke identifies the mocker, scorner as a person who
despises the counsel of God, the infidel.
2. The scoffers seek wisdom but can’t find it because they
seek for it where it does not exist; that is, apart from the Lord
God and his will and Word. (See Clarke.)
II. but knowledge comes easily to the discerning (to him that
understands).
A. People who discern, understands that the fear of the God is a
necessary precondition for achieving wisdom easily achieve
knowledge.
1. Deuteronomy 30:14, No, the word is very near you; it is
in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (NIV
1984)
Proverbs 14:7, Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find
knowledge on his lips. (NIV 1984)
I. Stay away from a foolish man,…
A. Stay away from the foolish person because foolishness is
contagious!
1. Psalm 1:1-2, Blessed is the man who does not walk in
the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or
sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of
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the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
(NIV 1984)
2. 1 Corinthians 15:33, Do not be misled: “Bad company
corrupts good character.” (NIV 1984)
B. “Stay away from foolish people; they have nothing to teach
you.” (Good News Bible via Coffman)
C. Clarke expressed the principle as follows: “Never associate
with a vain, empty fellow, when you perceive he can neither
convey nor receive instruction.”
1. The Pulpit Commentary advises the wise to stay away
from the foolish man when it is understood that the wise can
do him no good.
II. for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
A. Another reason for staying away from the foolish person is that
he has nothing of value to teach you.
1.Proverbs 20:15, Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (NIV
1984)
B. Don’t become a student in the fool’s school!
Proverbs 14:8, The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their
ways, but the folly of fools is deception. (NIV 1984)
I. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,…
A. The prudent person gives careful consideration to his conduct,
ways and chooses the honorable, right, wise conduct.
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1. Ephesians 5:15-16, Be very careful, then, how you
live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every
opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV 1984)
2. The prudent person considers his actions, the motives
producing the actions and the outcome of his actions.
3. Bland wrote, “Wisdom gives individuals the ability to see
their way more clearly through life’s experiences and
decisions.”
4. The prudent man knows himself and has a clear view of
his purpose and goals in life.
II. but the folly of fools is deception (deceit).
A. Fools are deceived and blunder along from one error to another.
B. Fools deceive others, cheat others. (The Pulpit Commentary)
Note: Smith stated that what is said in verse 8 is illustrated by the
proverbs in verses 9-19.
C. Coffman, quoting Albert Barnes, added, “The fool, on the other
hand, whose specialty is that of deceiving others, is led astray,
because he has deceived himself.”
Proverbs 14:9, Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is
found among the upright. (NIV 1984)
I. Fools mock at making amends for sin,…
A. Fools are set in their wicked ways and have no intention to
repent, make amends for their sins.
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1. Only fools would mock at sin which leads to eternal hell
fire.
a. Proverbs 10:23, A fool finds pleasure in evil
conduct, but a man of understanding delights in
wisdom. (NIV 1984)
2. Sin is a serious thing, nothing to be taken lightly, no
joking matter.
3. Fools mock at sin, treat it as a joking matter, regard it as a
matter of little importance.
4. McGee pointed to Jezebel as just such a mocker.
B. “The sin-offering of fools mocks them,” this passage can be
rendered.
1. Proverbs 15:8, The LORD detests the sacrifice of the
wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. (NIV
1984)
2. “A person cannot win God’s favor by ceremonial
observances”, The Pulpit Commentary states.
a. Proverbs 21:27, The sacrifice of the wicked is
detestable—how much more so when brought with
evil intent! (NIV 1984)
II. but goodwill (favor) is found among the upright.
A. Inversely, the upright are people of good will and good
intentions, who receive God’s favor and do God’s will when they
present their free-will vows and thanksgiving. (See The Pulpit
Commentary.)
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Proverbs 14:10, Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one
else can share its joy. (NIV 1984)
I. Each heart knows its own bitterness,…
A. No other person can fully understand the deepest sorrow nor
greatest joy in a person’s heart, his mind, his inner self. (See
Bland.)
B. We can share another’s joys and sorrows, but we may not be
able to experience them fully. (See Smith.)
1. “Some experiences can never be understood by or
communicated to others,” Bland wrote.
2. “Only the Lord knows a person’s deepest feeling,” Bland
further wrote.
a. Proverbs 15:11, Death and Destruction lie open
before the LORD—how much more the hearts of
men! (NIV 1984)
b. Proverbs 17:3, The crucible for silver and the
furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
(NIV 1984)
c. Proverbs 21:2, All a man’s ways seem right to
him, but the LORD weighs the heart. (NIV 1984)
d. Only Jesus bore our sorrows and was tempted in all
points as we are, and has returned to heaven to present
our needs to the Father. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)
3. Quoting the Keil-Delitzsch Commentary on the Old
Testament, Coffman concurs, “Every human being is a little
world to self alone, a world which only God sees and
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understands.” The “not fitting” and “not good” parables are
similar, related. (See Bland.)
a. 1 Corinthians 2:11, For who among men knows
the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within
him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of
God except the Spirit of God. (NIV 1984)
II. and no one else can share its joy.
A. No one can fully experience the full joys and sorrows of
another, cannot know exactly how they feel.
B. Clarke reminded us that when the peace of God comes into the
heart of a troubled soul, it brings indescribable joy.
C. “There are some things we can share with others, and there are
some things we cannot share,” McGee wrote.
Proverbs 14:11, The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the
tent of the upright will flourish. (NIV 1984)
I. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, overthrown,…
A. Proverbs 14:11 expresses the perpetual theme of Proverbs: The
good prosper; the wicked fail and suffer. (Coffman)
B. Wickedness has within it the seeds of destruction.
C. No matter how much the wicked try to build a glorious mansion
for themselves, their houses, life’s work, will be absolutely
destroyed, come to rot and ruin, amount to absolutely nothing.
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1. Proverbs 12:7, Wicked men are overthrown and are
no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV
1984)
II. but the tent of the upright will flourish.
A. “Good men do their duty in life. They try to please God, and
treat their neighbors right. The result is that God prospers them
beyond all that they thought or hoped.” (Smith)
1. Proverbs 12:7, Wicked men are overthrown and are
no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. (NIV
1984)
B. The righteous must understand that the devil delights in
afflicting the godly.
1. Remember Job?
2. Acts 14:22, strengthening the disciples and encouraging
them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through
many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
(NIV 1984)
C. This principle is totally fulfilled in the eternal world and
imperfectly in this life. (See Coffman.)
Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the
end it leads to death. (NIV 1984)
I. There is a way that seems right to a man,…
A. There are many ways that seem right which are in fact very
wrong.
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1. This verse is repeated in Proverbs 16:25, There is a way
that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
(NIV 1984)
2. If conscience were a reliable guide, what seems right
would be right.
B. “God rewards those who choose the right path, but he punishes
those who deliberately choose another way,” Bland wrote.
C. In life’s success or failure, choices are crucial!
1. It is so easy to be misled and make harmful decisions,
choices. (See Bland.)
2. Life is complex, often a puzzle, and things are not always
as they seem. (See Bland.)
a. This certainly causes wise decision making to be
extremely difficult on occasion.
D. Religious history of persecution, executions, wars and violence
by “sincere” people show how true this parable really is!
II. but in the end it leads to death.
A. Too late we learn that the way which seems right is dreadfully
wrong and leads to death, an early grave. (See Smith.)
B. Smith stated, “… there are many bypaths which lead to death,
as compared to one straight high road that leads to life more
abundant.”
C. Many people, thinking they are on the right way to heaven, will
be astounded at their judgment day decree, destiny. (See
Coffman.)
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1. Proverbs 5:5, Her feet go down to death; her steps lead
straight to the grave. (NIV 1984)
2. Romans 1:28, Furthermore, since they did not think it
worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them
over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
(NIV 1984)
3. I Timothy 4:2, Such teachings come through
hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as
with a hot iron. (NIV 1984)
D. It is absolutely essential that we place ourselves in the way that
leads to life!
1. John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the
truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:13, Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may
end in grief. (NIV 1984)
I. Even in laughter the heart may ache,…
A. “Outward mirth often masks hidden sorrows,” Smith wrote.
B. “Many a time is a smile forced upon the face, when the heart is
in deep distress,” Clarke wrote.
II. and joy may end in grief.
A. Sorrow often follows joy. (See Smith.)
B. Coffman wrote, “There is sometimes a heavy and disconsolate
heart that disguises its sorrow by a show of joy and laughter.”
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C. “It is hard to put on a face of mirth, when a man has a heavy
heart,” Clarke concluded.
D. The Pulpit Commentary observed that. “In this mortal life joy
and sorrow are strangely intermingled; sorrow follows closely on
the steps of joy…”
1. Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they
will be comforted. (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:14, The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and
the good man rewarded for his. (NIV 1984)
I. The faithless (backslider in heart) will be fully repaid for their
ways,…
A. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. He that
sows to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. (See
Galatians 6:8.)
1. Proverbs 1:31, they will eat the fruit of their ways and
be filled with the fruit of their schemes. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of his lips a man is
filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands
rewards him. (NIV 1984)
B. “He who falls away from God in his heart shall be filled with
his own ways,” Coffman wrote quoting Albert Barnes.
C. The once faithful disciple who has slidden back into sin will be
fully repaid for his digression by the wrath of God.
1. Backsliding begins with, in heart.
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a. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
and the person acts.
II. and the good man rewarded for his.
A. He that sows to the spirit shall of the spirit reap everlasting
life. (See Galatians 6:8.)
1. Isaiah 3:10, Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. (NIV 1984)
B. “The good man shall be filled with that which belongs to him,”
Coffman wrote quoting Albert Barnes.
C. The good man is a person whose heart is right with God and
whose life is righteous.
1. For his godliness the Lord will rewards him generously,
liberally.
2. Psalm 44:18, Our hearts had not turned back; our feet
had not strayed from your path. (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:15, A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man
gives thought to his steps. (NIV 1984)
I. A simple man believes anything,…
A. “A simple man is gullible. Having no fixed principles of his
own, he is at the mercy of any advisor, and is easily led astray,”
Smith wrote.
1. Proverbs 1:22, “How long will you simple ones love
your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in
mockery and fools hate knowledge? (NIV 1984)
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B. Pity the simpleton who believes everything he hears at work,
reads in the newspapers and, yes, hears from the pulpits of the
land. (Coffman)
II. but the prudent man gives thought to his steps.
A. “A prudent man, on the other hand, brings understanding to his
step. He investigates, plans, evaluates and weighs options. He
looks before he leaps,” Smith further wrote.
B. The wise man “weights with the utmost care and attention the
messages that are continually being shouted at him from all
directions,” Coffman wrote.
C. The wise man acts deliberately considering the effects of his
decisions and actions.
1. Proverbs 13:13, He who scorns instruction will pay for
it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. (NIV
1984)
D. Christians, as did the apostles, ask all manner of questions and
search the scriptures daily to determine if what they are being
taught is true. (See McGee.)
1. Christians are not gullible, credulous.
2. Acts 17:11, Now the Bereans were of more noble
character than the Thessalonians, for they received the
message with great eagerness and examined the
Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
(NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:16, A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a
fool is hotheaded and reckless. (NIV 1984)
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I. A wise man (exercises caution) fears the Lord and shuns evil,…
A. A wise person fears the Lord, respects the right, avoid evil, and
acts patiently with thoughtful consideration.
1. Proverbs 22:3, A prudent man sees danger and takes
refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (NIV
1984)
2. Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the
LORD and shun evil. (NIV 1984)
B. Bland wrote the meaning here is that the wise are cautious of
hidden danger.
C. Other renderings of this passage include, “The wise man guards
himself anxiously against evil…” and “The wise man is cautious
and avoids misfortune,…” (Coffman quoting Frankenberg and
Toy)
D. A wise man most certainly fears and exercises caution in
regard to Almighty God and shuns the evil that can destroy his soul
in hell!
II. but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
A. “The fool behaves impulsively,” lacks self-control and quickly
find himself in trouble. (See Smith.)
1. “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
2. Proverbs 22:3, A prudent man sees danger and takes
refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (NIV
1984)
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3. “… the fool is arrogant and confident,” Coffman wrote
quoting Frankenberg and Toy.
4. Proverbs 21:24, The proud and arrogant man—
“Mocker” is his name; he behaves with overweening
pride. (NIV 1984)
5. Proverbs 28:26, He who trusts in himself is a fool, but
he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (NIV 1984)
6. Isaiah 30:15, This is what the Sovereign LORD, the
Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your
salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you
would have none of it. (NIV 1984)
7. Proverbs 26:17, Like one who seizes a dog by the ears
is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. (NIV
1984)
8. Psalms 78:21, 59, 62, When the LORD heard them, he
was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his
wrath rose against Israel, 59
When God heard them, he as
very angry; he rejected Israel completely. 62
He gave his
people over to the sword; he was very angry with his
inheritance. (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a
crafty man is hated. (NIV 1984)
I. A quick-tempered man does foolish things,…
A. The hotheaded, quick-tempered fool acts stupidity, without
thinking to his own injury and to the harm of others as well.
B. Clarke wrote that such a person “speaks like a fool, and acts like
a madman.”
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II. and a crafty man (of wicked schemes) is hated.
A. In contrast with the hotheaded blunderer just discussed, the
person here is a calculating, scheming, wicked person.
B. Smith wrote that this proverb contrasts hasty anger which leads
to folly with deliberate malice which provokes hatred.
C. This second line re-enforces, intensifies, emphasizes what is
said in line one. (See Bland.)
1. The quick-tempered person acts without thinking.
2. The crafty man acts maliciously which is even worse.
Proverbs 14:18, The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are
crowned with knowledge. (NIV 1984)
I. The simple inherit folly, …
A. Moral stupidity produces foolishness: Lack of wisdom causes
these thoughtless ones to do what is foolish. (See Smith.)
1. Such folly is their due, their expectation, their inheritance.
II. but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
A. Knowledge (wisdom) honors and adorns the prudent person.
(Smith)
1. Knowledge / wisdom adorns and enhances character and
standing. (Smith)
2. The wise seek and acquire knowledge which serves as a
glorious crown in their lives.
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Proverbs 14:19, Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (NIV 1984)
I. Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good,…
A. “The final victory of good over evil is here set forth,” Smith
wrote.
1. Proverbs 8:34, Blessed is the man who listens to me,
watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
(NIV 1984)
B. “Goodness triumphs over evil” is a principle that is paramount
in the book of Job and which was strongly advocated by Job’s
friends, Coffman wrote.
C. The dominance of evil over good is temporary and this principle
is illustrated by the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus.
1. Luke 16:19-31, “There was a rich man who was dressed
in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At
his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with
sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s
table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time
came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to
Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw
Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called
to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send
Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my
tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham
replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you
received your good things, while Lazarus received bad
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things, but now he is comforted here and you are in
agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great
chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from
here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there
to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send
Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers.
Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this
place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses
and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father
Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to
them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not
listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be
convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (NIV
1984)
II. and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
A. One day the wicked will admit their defeat.
B. The absolute certainly of the ultimate victory of good over evil
is a fundamental biblical doctrine. (See Smith.)
C. The wicked will be humbled. The righteous will be honored.
Note: “Wisdom recognizes that there is nothing which is causeless and
unaccounted for in life. Applying this principle in personal and social
situations is the burden of the next series of proverbs.” Smith wrote.
Proverbs 14:20, The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but
the rich have many friends. (NIV 1984)
I. The poor are shunned (hated) even by their neighbors,…
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A. Neighbors here are casual acquaintances who shun the poor
who are regarded as burdens and/or below their social class. (See
Smith.)
B. Coffman wrote that this is certainly not the way things should
be, but rather the way things are because of the sinfulness of
mankind.
1. Proverbs 19:4, Wealth brings many friends, but a poor
man’s friend deserts him. (NIV 1984)
C. In our impersonal world we may not even know our neighbors.
II. but the rich have many friends.
A. The rich, who can bestow favors on others, have many who
want to be their “friends.”
B. “The rich have many friends; however, the rich can be deceived
into thinking they have genuine friends, when such friends love
them only for their money,” Bland wrote.
Proverbs 14:21, He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he
who is kind to the needy (NIV 1984)
I. He who despises his neighbor sins,…
A. We are to respect our neighbors and show them kindness,
regardless of their social and financial positions.
1. To do otherwise is to sin!
a. Leviticus 19:18, “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a
grudge against one of your people, but love your
neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (NIV 1984)
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2. “It is unjust and wicked to despise (a person) for what is
not his fault,” Clarke wrote.
3. The teaching of Jesus on this subject can be seen in the
parable of the Good Samaritan.
a. Luke 10:25-37, On one occasion an expert in the
law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,
“what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is
written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read
it?” He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love
your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered
correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,
“And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A
man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho,
when he fell into the hands of robbers. They
stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away,
leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going
down the same road, and when he saw the man, he
passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when
he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the
other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came
where the man was; and when he saw him, he took
pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his
wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the
man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took
care of him. The next day he took out two silver
coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after
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him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse
you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of
these three do you think was a neighbor to the man
who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in
the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
(NIV 1984)
B. McGee asked, “How do you feel toward those who can do
nothing for you in return? Do you do something for them?”
II. but blessed is he who is kind (shows mercy) to the needy.
A. The God of mercy and kindness blesses those who are kind to
the poor and needy.
1. Matthew 5:7, Blessed are the merciful, for they will be
shown mercy. (NIV 1984)
2. Acts 20:35, In everything I did, I showed you that by
this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is
more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (NIV 1984)
3. 2 Corinthians 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes
he became poor, so that you through his poverty might
become rich. NIV1984)
4. Other needy people bless, respect the kind, benevolent
person.
B. Christians are taught in Scripture to respect and provide for the
poor and needy.
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Proverbs 14:22, Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who
plan what is good find love and faithfulness. (NIV 1984)
I. Do not those who plot evil go astray? (…from the way of life?)
(Smith)
A. This is clearly obvious: Those who scheme and plot evil most
definitely depart from the right way of the Lord…
1. But how many on Sunday morning sing, “Oh, How I Love
Jesus,” while living for the devil during the week?
2. Proverbs 3:29-30, Do not plot harm against your
neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse a
man for no reason—when he has done you no harm. (NIV
1984)
II. But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness (mercy
and truth).
A. If you want to receive love and faithfulness in your life, plan
and do what is good.
B. Smith wrote, “Those who work for the welfare of the
community are appreciated, honored and respected.”
C. “Love and faithfulness” are paired in Proverbs in several verses.
1. Proverbs 3:3, Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of
your heart. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is
atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids
evil. (NIV 1984)
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3. Proverbs 20:28, Love and faithfulness keep a king
safe; through love his throne is made secure. (NIV 1984)
4. Psalm 61:7, May he be enthroned in God’s presence
forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect
him. (NIV 1984)
5. I Timothy 1:2, To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ
Jesus our Lord. (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:23, All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads
only to poverty. (NIV 1984)
I. All hard work (labor) brings a profit, …
A. “Hard work may be painful, but however difficult the work and
small the remuneration, some advantage is derived from honest
labor,” Smith wrote.
1. Proverbs 10:22, The blessing of the LORD brings
wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty. (NIV 1984)
B. “This proverb contrasts the talker with the worker,” Coffman
wrote.
II. but more talk leads only to poverty (penury).
A. “Idle talk accomplishes nothing and leads to poverty,” Smith
wrote.
B. “Less talk and more work” is advised here, Clarke observed.
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1. Clarke also wrote, “A man of words is seldom a man of
deeds.”
2. Matthew 6:7, And when you pray, do not keep on
babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard
because of their many words. (NIV 1984)
3. Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord,
Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (NIV 1984)
C. McGee wrote, “Some people just talk; they don’t do. People
can almost be classified as either talking people or doing people.”
1. Which are you?
Proverbs 14:24, The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly
of fools yields folly. (NIV)
I. The wealth of the wise is their crown,…
A. Smith wrote, “The wisdom which crowns the life of the
righteous is the only riches which they crave.”
B. There is a sense in which the wealth of the financially
successful is their crown, honor, worthy achievement.
1. Solomon with all his wealth would be expected to hold this
view.
C. The Pulpit Commentary states, “Riches are an ornament to a
wise man; they enhance and set off his wisdom in the eyes of
others, enable him to use it to advantage, and are not the snare
which they might be because they are employed religiously and
profitably for the good of others.”
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1. Ecclesiastes 7:11, Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a
good thing and benefits those who see the sun. (NIV 1984)
D. McGee wrote, “The riches here are not necessarily material
riches. There are a great many happy people who are rich, not in
the things of this life, but in those things that are spiritual. That is
the most important of all.”
II. but the folly of fools yields folly.
A. Nothing but more folly can be expected from fools!
1. “The fool, from his foolishness, produces acts of folly,”
Clarke wrote.
Proverbs 14:25, A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is
deceitful. (NIV 1984)
I. A truthful witness saves lives, (by delivering the innocent of false
charges) (Smith),…
A. “The witness has it in his power to save or murder either life or
reputation,” Coffman wrote quoting the New Bible Commentary
Revised.
1. Proverbs 14:5, A truthful witness does not deceive, but
a false witness pours out lies. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 12:17, A truthful witness gives honest
testimony, but a false witness tells lies. (NIV 1984)
II. but a false witness is deceitful (speaks lies).
A. Innocent people suffer by the false witnessing of deceitful
people who have little or no hesitation to perjure themselves.
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1. Revelation 21:8, But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the
vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who
practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their
place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the
second death.” (NIV 1984)
2. False witnesses by their lying testimony can commit
murder.
a. Murder can be committed by gun, knife, poison and
yes, with a person’s mouth!
Proverbs 14:26, He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and
for his children it will be a refuge. (NIV 1984)
I. He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress (strong confidence),…
A. Romans 8:31, What, then, shall we say in response to this?
If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV 1984)
B. He who does right by the Lord has nothing to fear from
mankind!
1. The “fear of the Lord” is more of an action than an
emotion, Bland wrote.
2. Psalm 27:1, The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my
life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV 1984)
3. Romans 8:31, What, then, shall we say in response to
this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV 1984)
C. The fear of the Lord is of crucial importance.
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1. Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NIV
1984)
2. Proverbs 10:27, The fear of the LORD adds length to
life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. (NIV 1984)
3. Proverbs 14:2, 22, He whose walk is upright fears the
LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him. 22
Do
not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan
what is good find love and faithfulness. (NIV 1984)
4. Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is
atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids
evil. (NIV 1984)
D. “The fear of God is highly consistent with the strongest
confidence in his mercy and goodness,” Clarke wrote.
II. and for his children it will be a refuge.
A. Exodus 20:5-6, You shall not bow down to them or worship
them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing
the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth
generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a
thousand generations of those who love me and keep my
commandments. (NIV 1984)
B. Parental fear of the Lord provides a refuge for their children
who come to share the fear of the Lord.
1. Psalms 36:1, An oracle is within my heart concerning
the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God
before his eyes. (NIV 1984)
2. Psalms 73:15, If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would
have betrayed your children. (NIV 1984)
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3. Hosea 11:1, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and
out of Egypt I called my son.” (NIV 1984)
4. Exodus 20:6, but showing love to a thousand
generations of those who love me and keep my
commandments. (NIV 1984)
5. Psalms 103:17, But from everlasting to everlasting the
LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his
righteousness with their children’s children— (NIV 1984)
6. Proverbs 20:7, The righteous man leads a blameless
life; blessed are his children after him. (NIV 1984)
7. Proverbs 20:7, The righteous man leads a blameless
life; blessed are his children after him. (NIV 1984)
8. Genesis 17:7, I will establish my covenant as an
everlasting covenant between me and you and your
descendants after you for the generations to come, to be
your God and the God of your descendants after you.
(NIV 1984)
9. Exodus 34:6-7, And he passed in front of Moses,
proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate
and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and
faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving
wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the
guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their
children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth
generation.” (NIV 1984)
Proverbs 14:27, The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning
a man from the snares of death. (NIV 1984)
I. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,…
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A. Proverbs 13:14, The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death. (NIV 1984)
B. Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the
wellspring of life. (NIV 1984)
C. Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers
over all wrongs. (NIV 1984)
D. The fear of the Lord is the source of life.
II. turning a man from the snares of death.
A. The fear of the Lord leads to heaven and turns a person from sin
with all its deadly snares, pitfalls.
B. Sin produces dangers and troubles in this life and eternal
punishment in the world to come.
C. The fear of the Lord is the source of life, the only way to avoid
the traps of death.
Note: “Verses 28 and 35 are royal proverbs. The intervening verses,
although individually applicable, may be intended as special advice for
kings,” Smith wrote.
Proverbs 14:28, A large population is a king’s glory, but without
subjects a prince is ruined. (NIV 1984)
I. A large population (a multitude of people) is a king’s glory,…
A. The larger the number of people who pledge loyalty to a given
king, the more glorious and honored the king becomes.
B. The Pulpit Commentary states, “A happy and numerous people,
dwelling securely and increasing in numbers was a better honor for
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a king and more to be desired” than war and conquest, in
Solomon’s view.
1. 1 Kings 4:20, The people of Judah and Israel were as
numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they
drank and they were happy. (NIV 1984)
II. but without subjects a prince is ruined.
A. A king with few subjects is weak, subject to attack, defeat and
destruction, little regarded by his peers.
Proverbs 14:29, A patient man has great understanding, but a
quick-tempered man displays folly. (NIV 1984)
I. A patient man (he who is slow to anger) has great understanding,…
A. A man with a “cool head”, slow to take offense, full of patience,
has great understanding. (Smith)
B. Great damage results from unrestrained emotions, Bland wrote.
C. The LXX via Coffman reads, “A meek spirited man is a healer
of the heart, but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.”
D. “A man’s prudence and wisdom are displayed by his being slow
to take offense and being patient under injury.” (See The Pulpit
Commentary.)
II. but a quick-tempered (hasty) man displays (exalts) folly.
A. The hot-headed person who acts without thinking acts foolishly,
and poses a grave danger for all who associate with him.
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B. Coffman wrote that these quick-tempered people may become
violent upon the most trivial of excuses.
C. A person who has a hasty spirit is one who is easily irritated
which causes him to act foolishly. (See Clarke.)
1. Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered man does foolish
things, and a crafty man is hated. (NIV 1984)
2. Ephesians 4:2, Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV 1984)
3. Proverbs 13:16, Every prudent man acts out of
knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. (NIV 1984)
4. Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge
to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV
1984)
Proverbs 14:30, A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy
rots the bones. (NIV 1984)
I. A (sound, healthy) heart (mind, inner thoughts) at peace gives life to
the body,…
A. There is definitely a direct connection between emotional and
physical health.
1. Bland wrote of “the physical consequences of uncontrolled
feelings.”
2. “A heart at peace,” Bland wrote, is better rendered “a
healthy mind.”
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3. “A healthy mind brings healing to the whole body” while
“uncontrolled passions can destroy the body as quickly as a
deadly disease! (Bland)
B. There is also a direct connection between a quiet and tranquil
life lived in all godliness and honesty and spiritual health.
1. 1 Timothy 2:2, for kings and all those in authority, that
we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness. (NIV 1984)
2. 1 Peter 3:4, Instead, it should be that of your inner self,
the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
of great worth in God’s sight. (NIV 1984)
3. Acts 19:36, Therefore, since these facts are undeniable,
you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. (NIV
1984)
C. A calm, gentle and meek heart gives life to the body.
1. Ecclesiastes 10:4, If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do
not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
(NIV 1984)
2. The LXX reads, “The man of gentle mind is the physician
of the heart.”
II. but envy rots the bones.
A. Envy and hatred have “a deteriorating impact on the body and
soul producing psychosomatic illnesses and spiritual sickness.
1. Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her
husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in
his bones. (NIV 1984)
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2. Proverbs 15:4, The tongue that brings healing is a tree
of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (NIV
1984)
B. “A heart that feels too acutely and is easily affected by external
circumstances, prepares for itself constant vexation and grief.”
(The Pulpit Commentary)
C. McGee wrote, “Envy will not only rob you of your joy and
fellowship with the Lord, but it will affect you physically.”
Proverbs 14:31, He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for
their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (NIV
1984)
I. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,…
A. All people are God’s creation.
1. To show contempt for any person is to show contempt for
his Creator. (See Coffman.)
2. “A sin against a person is a sin against God, for man is
made in the image of God,” Smith wrote.
B. To fail to be concerned for and to help the less fortunate reduces
us to the level of brute beasts. (See Clarke.)
1. Proverbs 17:5, He who mocks the poor shows contempt
for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go
unpunished. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 22:2, Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all. (NIV 1984)
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3. Deuteronomy 15:11, There will always be poor people
in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded
toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in
your land. (NIV 1984)
4. Matthew 26:11, The poor you will always have with
you, but you will not always have me. (NIV 1984)
5. Matthew 25:40, 45, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the
truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 45
“He will reply, ‘I tell
you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least
of these, you did not do for me.’ (NIV 1984)
II. but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
A. Smith well wrote that the needy person is not only to be helped,
he is to be helped kindly, graciously, respectfully.
B. In the process of assisting, we are not to act condescendingly.
1. Matthew 25:40, 45, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the
truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 45
“He will reply, ‘I tell
you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least
of these, you did not do for me.’ (NIV 1984)
2. 2 Corinthians 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes
he became poor, so that you through his poverty might
become rich. (NIV 1984)
3. James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as
pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being
polluted by the world. (NIV 1984)
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Proverbs 14:32, When calamity comes, the wicked are brought
down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. (NIV 1984)
I. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,…
A. The criminal, wicked person has no way to avoid the calamity
that comes upon him because of his evil deeds.
1. “Misfortune strikes and the godless person is overthrown.”
(Keil via Coffman)
B. Death is associated with evil and wickedness. (Bland)
1. Proverbs 2:18, For her house leads down to death and
her paths to the spirits of the dead. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 10:2, Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but
righteousness delivers from death. (NIV 1984)
3. Proverbs 11:19, The truly righteous man attains life,
but he who pursues evil goes to his death. (NIV 1984)
4. Proverbs 24:16, for though a righteous man falls seven
times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by
calamity. (NIV 1984)
5. Matthew 7:26-27, But everyone who hears these words
of mine and does not put them into practice is like a
foolish man who built his house on sand. 27
The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat
against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV
1984)
C. When the wicked come to death, they expire with deep fear and
dread knowing of the punishment awaiting them in the after life.
(See Clarke.)
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II. but even in death the righteous have a refuge (hope).
A. The righteous person does not abandon hope of deliverance
even when he is in a life-threatening situation, Smith stated.
B. Smith wrote that in this verse there may be a hint of
immortality.
1. Job 13:15, Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I
will surely defend my ways to his face. (NIV 1984)
2. Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with
me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV 1984)
3. Proverbs 12:28, In the way of righteousness there is
life; along that path is immortality. (NIV 1984)
C. Bland suggested this line may refer “to the righteous seeking
refuge in God, even to the point of death.”
1. Proverbs 10:25, When the storm has swept by, the
wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
(NIV 1984)
2. “There is a deep and essential distinction between the
deaths of the godless and the righteous,” Coffman wrote
quoting Keil-Delitzsch.
D. The righteous have no fear of death knowing that Christ Jesus
awaits them with open and loving arms and the welcome greeting,
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
1. Because of this martyrs went to their deaths in full
expectation of life beyond the grave!
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Proverbs 14:33, Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and
even among fools she lets herself be known. (NIV 1984)
I. Wisdom reposes (rests) in the heart of the discerning
(understanding),…
A. The intelligent, discerning person knows the value of wisdom
and strives to have it dwell in his heart. (See Smith.)
B. “The wise person is not always blurting out and making a
display of his wisdom; he lets it lie still and hidden till there is
occasion to use it with effect.” (The Pulpit Commentary)
1. Proverbs 10:14, Wise men store up knowledge, but the
mouth of a fool invites ruin. (NIV 1984)
2. Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge to
himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV 1984)
II. and even among fools she lets herself be known.
A. Wisdom works hard to be recognized even among fools who
have no understanding of its value.
B. The LXX and certain other ancient translations read, “In the
good heart of a man shall rest wisdom, but in the heart of fools it is
no discerned.” (The Pulpit Commentary)
Proverbs 14:34, Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace
to any people. (NIV 1984)
I. Righteousness exalts a nation, …
A. Doing right in all circumstances exalts a nation.
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B. Bland well wrote, “God does not evaluate countries by the size
of their territory, population, military might or wealth, but by their
righteousness; that is, their relationship to the Lord.”
C. For a nation to be truly great, exalted, it must be genuinely
righteous!
D. “Righteousness is the rendering to all their due, whether to God
or man.” (The Pulpit Commentary)
1. Proverbs 10:2, Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but
righteousness delivers from death. (NIV 1984)
E. McGee wrote that today’s “nations do not believe that
righteousness exalts them, but history bears testimony to it. The
pathway of history is strewn with the wrecks, the debris, and the
ruins of nations that didn’t follow this principle.”
II. but sin is a disgrace (reproach) to any people (nation).
A. Sin (unrighteousness, injustice) is a total disgrace to any nation!
1. The Vulgate reads, “… sin makes the people wretched.”
B. A sinful nation, no matter what, can never be truly great.
1. National sin is a curse and scandal for any country.
C. Clarke wrote that this passage could better be rendered, “And
mercy is a sin offering for the people.”
1. Clarke further wrote, “A national disposition to mercy
appears in the sight of God as a continual sin offering.”
D. Sin is indeed a disgrace, a reproach to any people, nation!
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Proverbs 14:35, A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful
servant incurs his wrath. (NIV 1984)
I. A king delights in a wise servant,…
A. Joseph and Daniel were such servants who were honored by the
kings they served.
1. Matthew 24:45, 47 “Who then is the faithful and wise
servant, whom the master has put in charge of the
servants in his household to give them their food at the
proper time? 47
I tell you the truth, he will put him in
charge of all his possessions. (NIV 1984)
B. Ahasuerus made a grave mistake by regarding the wicked
Haman with respect and overlooking faithful Mordecai. (See
Coffman.)
II. but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.
A. An unfaithful servant incurs their king’s wrath.
B. Haman was in time found out and hanged while Mordecai
came to be regarded as the faithful servant he was.
Conclusion:
I. Reviewing Proverbs 14, the reader is impressed with teachings related
to:
A. the wise woman who builds her house and the foolish woman
who tears her house down. (verse 1)
B. living uprightly in the fear of God and walking deviously in
opposition to God. (verses 1, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22)
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C. the speech of the fool and the speech of the wise. (verses 3,7)
D. industry and laziness. (verses 4, 23)
E. truthfulness and falsehood. (verses 5, 25)
F. the foolish, quick-tempered mocker and the patient, wise person
of discernment. (verses 6, 8, 9, 24, 29, 33)
G. the deceptiveness of sin. (verse 12)
H. joy and bitterness and the difficulty in knowing the feelings of
even those who are closest to use. (verses 10, 13)
I. the rewards of faithlessness and goodness. (verses 14, 32)
J. credulity versus incredulity. (verse 15)
K. righteousness will ultimately be victorious over evil. (verses 19,
26, 27)
L. the poor and the rich. (verses 20, 21, 24, 31)
M. a king’s glory and a prince’s ruin. (verses 28, 34, 35)
N. a heart of peace and a heart of envy. (verse 30)
II. The lessons in the book of Proverbs are eternal, vital to every age,
now, three thousand years ago and three thousand years in the future
should the world stand that long!
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Questions
Proverbs 14:1-35
(Questions based on NIV1984 text)
1. For what are the proverbs in Proverbs 14:1-27 designed to do? ______
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. For what are the proverbs in Proverbs 14:28-35 intended to do?_____
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. Those who pursue ______________ find _______________, and
those who don’t _______________ _______________.
4. In what ways do wise women build their houses? _______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. In what ways do foolish women tear their houses down? __________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. Name several biblical women who can be classified as wise women
and others who can be classified as foolish women. Give reasons for
each of your choices. _________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7. A _______________ and __________________ _______________
evidences to all that such a person _____________________,
_______________ and _______________ the ______________.
8. _______________ is _______________ that a person has
_______________ all _______________ for _____________ and
______________ about _______________ _______________.
9. What accounts for certain remarkable differences in the readings of
various proverbs from version to version? ________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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10. Give biblical and secular examples that illustrate the fact that foolish
talk brings punishment on the speaker. __________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
11. In what ways do the lips of the wise protect them? Give examples.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
12. What does Proverbs 14:4 means? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
13. A ______________ _______________ does not _______________,
but a _____________________ _____________________ pours out
_______________.
14. Why can’t mockers find wisdom? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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15. _______________ who_______________, ________________ that
the _______________ of _______________ is a _______________
_______ -_______________ for _______________ _______________
easily achieve _______________.
16. Why should we stay away from foolish people? When should we
avoid foolish people, always or on certain occasions? ______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
17. The ____________ person ____________ his ____________, the
____________ producing the ____________ and the ____________ of
his ____________. The ____________ man knows ____________ and
has a ____________ ____________ of his ____________ and
____________ in ____________.
18. _______________ are _______________ and _______________
along from one ___________________ to ___________________.
_______________ _______________ others, _______________ others.
19. _________________ _________________ at ________________
_______________ it as a _______________ _______________, regard
it as a _______________ of _______________ ______________.
20. The ____________ are people of ____________ and ____________
____________ who receive ____________’s ____________ and do
____________’s ____________.
21. How and to what extent can we share another person’s sorrows and
joys? _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
22. _______________ has within it the ___________________ of
______________. The __________________; the _______________
_______________ and _______________. The _______________
_______________ in _______________ the _____________.
23. Name several ways which seem right, but are definitely wrong. ____
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
24. Give biblical and secular examples which show that, “Outward mirth
often masks hidden sorrow.”___________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
25. Give biblical and secular examples which show that, “joy may end in
grief.” ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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26. Whatsoever a man _________________, that shall he also
______________. He that _________________ to the ______________
shall of the _______________ _________________ ______________.
He that ______________ to the _______________ shall of the
______________ _____________ ________________ _____________.
(Galatians 6:8)
27. Are there exceptions to the principle presented above from Galatians
6:8? If so, what are the exceptions? _____________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
28. Should a Christian be credulous or incredulous? Give reasons for
your answer. _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
29. A ________________ ________________ acts ________________
considering the _________________ of his ________________ and
_______________.
30. A ____________ ____________ ___________ the ___________
and ___________ ___________, but a ___________ is ___________
and _____________.
31. Define, compare and contrast the quick-tempered fool and a crafty
man, a person of wicked schemes. ______________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
32. _______________ ______________ produces _____________, but
_____________ and ____________ the ____________ ____________.
33. The _______________ ________________ of the ______________
_______________ of _______________ over _______________is a
_______________ ____________ ____________. The _____________
of ____________ over _______________ is _____________ and this
principle is illustrated by the _________________ of ____________
__________ __________ and ____________.
34. Why would people shun their poor neighbors? ________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
35. Why do the rich have many friends?__________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
36. What do questions 34 and 35 above and your answers to these
questions tell us about human nature? ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
37. The ______________ of ______________ and ______________
___________ those who are ______________ to the ___________ and
___________.
38. It is ____________ and ______________ to _____________ a
person for what is not his _____________.
39. What connection is there between Proverbs 14:21 and Luke 10:25-
37?_______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
40. Those who _____________ and ____________ ____________
most definitely depart from the _____________ ____________ of the
________________. Those who work for the ______________ of the
____________ are __________, ___________ and ____________.
41. If all hard work produces a profit, why do some people who work
hard go bankrupt?___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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42. Are all of these proverbial statements absolute truths to which there
are no exceptions or general truths to which there may be exceptions?
Give reasons for your answer. _______________________________
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43. ___________ ___________ and __________ ___________is
advised in Proverbs 14:23. A man of ______________ is seldom a man
of ______________. (Clark)
44. Explain how the wealth of the wise is their crown. Define “wealth”
as used in Proverbs 14:24. ____________________________________
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45. ___________ but more ______________ can be expected from
___________.
46. How can both truthful and false witnesses save and take lives? _____
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47. Define “fear of the Lord” and explain how the person who fears the
Lord has a secure fortress and his children will have a refuge. ________
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48. In what ways is “the fear of the Lord” a “fountain of life” and how
does “the fear of the Lord” turn a man from “the snares of death?” ____
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49. Explain how a large population is a king’s glory and the absence of
subjects is a prince’s ruin. ___________________________________
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50. A _______________’s ______________ and ______________ are
displayed by his being ______________ to take _______________ and
being _______________ under _______________. A _____________
who has a ______________ _____________ is one who is easily
______________ which causes him to ______________ ___________.
51. What is the connection between mental / spiritual and physical
health?____________________________________________________
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52. How can it be said that the way we treat the poor is the way we treat
God? ___________________________________________________
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53. What refuge do the righteous have in death? __________________
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54. Where does wisdom repose? Why do fools have trouble recognizing
wisdom when they see it? _____________________________________
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55. Give evidence, examples showing that righteousness exalts a nation
and that sin is a reproach to any people. _________________________
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56. Give biblical examples of kings who were greatly benefited by their
wise servants. ______________________________________________
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57. Give biblical examples which show that an unfaithful servant is a
shame to the king and receives the king’s wrath. __________________
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58. Why do the various versions of the Bible past and present have
difficulty in agreeing on the wording and meaning of certain verses in
the book of Proverbs. ________________________________________
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59. Honorable people in Proverbs 14 are referenced as wise, _________
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60. Dishonorable people in Proverbs 14 are referenced as foolish, _____
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