Posted by Jeff Short on June 8, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
– Proverbs 14:22
The word for
err means to go astray and to
devise is to plot or plan. The first phrase refers to the outcome of their plans. They go astray because they plan
evil. These are not accidentally or carelessly getting into the wrong way, but are plotting and contriving wickedness (Proverbs 3:29; 6:14). The phrase,
mercy and truth, speaks of God’s favor and blessing (Psalm 25:10; 61:7). Here it is the outcome or reward that comes to those who
devise good.
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 7, 2017 · Leave a Comment
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
– Proverbs 14:21
The word for
despiseth means to treat with contempt or view as worthless. The word used is common in the Old Testament for sin. It means to miss the mark or the way. We infer from the parallel the neighbor is in some way needy, so to ignore or despise him is to miss the way of wisdom and righteous (Proverbs 11:12). It is a direct affront to our Creator (Proverbs 17:5) and a mark of the wicked (Proverbs 18:3). The contrast is to show
mercy, which is to bend down in pity to one beneath you. To show mercy is the way of wisdom and righteousness to acknowledge that both alike are created by God (Proverbs 22:2). The merciful thereby honor God (Proverbs 14:31). The merciful will also receive mercy and be
happy, or blessed (Proverbs 19:17; 28:27).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 6, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich hath many friends.
– Proverbs 14:20
This proverb is a wise observation of reality. The
poor are those without resources and means (Proverbs 10:15; Luke 14:13-14). Consequently, they don’t have so many
friends as the
rich do. We would call these sorts of friends as belonging to the fair-weather class (Proverbs 19:4, 6).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 5, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
– Proverbs 14:19
This proverb addresses the humbling of the wicked. Circumstances in life often appear to favor the wicked while the righteous seem to be humbled (Psalm 73:3-11; 37:35). The wicked go on in foolishness and pride. They seem to have success but their destruction is coming (Proverbs 18:12; 29:23). Ultimately, the righteous who have wisdom will be exalted over the wicked (Psalm 37:36-40; Proverbs 14:23).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 4, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
– Proverbs 14:18
The word for
inherit means to acquire and it speaks of the reward to the
simple. The simple man is easily led astray. If not corrected, he progresses in his simplicity until he fully possesses folly (Proverbs 19:25; 1:32). On the other hand, the
prudent grow in wisdom until they are compassed with
knowledge (Proverbs 3:35; 4:7-9). The word for
crowned means to encircle round. It’s uncertain if the meaning is an ornament, but it definitely speaks to the reward of wisdom. The good news is the
simple are called upon to come to wisdom (Proverbs 9:4-6). Those who do are
prudent and gain the reward of wisdom (Proverbs 9:9-11).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 3, 2017 · Leave a Comment
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
– Proverbs 14:17
This proverb gives two types of foolish anger. Being
soon angry is what we call hot or quick-tempered. It applies to a man who is quick to react in anger and doesn’t have appropriate self-control (Proverbs 14:29; 16:32). His lack of control of his temper causes him to deal
foolishly. He speaks and acts rashly and foolishly in the heat of anger, whereas a calmer head can see the situation better (Proverbs 14:29). The second is a
man of wicked devices. This describes one who plots and contrives (Proverbs 6:18; 12:2). We call this a cool or cold anger, which may plot elaborate schemes of revenge. Such a person is
hated and seen as more loathsome.
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 2, 2017 · Leave a Comment
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
– Proverbs 14:16
Proper fear marks a
wise man. Through wisdom and fear he identifies
evil and departs from it to go in the way that is upright (Proverbs 22:3; 3:7; 16:6, 17). The contrasted mark of the
fool is confidence. He is overconfident in his own wisdom and way (Proverbs 26:12; 14:12), so he
rageth, or passes on his determined way despite warnings or counsel (Proverbs 7:22).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 1, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
– Proverbs 14:15
Verses 15-17 speak directly to wisdom and folly, while verse 18 speaks to the reward to each. This proverb contrasts the gullibility of the
simple with the discernment of the
prudent. The simple thoughtlessly take in what they hear and are easily led astray. To him it is all in good fun (Proverbs 15:21). The naïveté of the simple leads them to trouble (Proverbs 22:3). The word for
prudent means shrewd and can be negative or positive given the context. It can refer negatively to schemes, or positively to making plans. His character is described here as discerning, so he proceeds cautiously (Proverbs 4:26; 14:8). Because he looks ahead with discernment, he can foresee evil and avoid it (Proverbs 27:12).
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Posted by Jeff Short on May 31, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
– Proverbs 14:14
The word for
backslider means to flinch or turn back. Isaiah and Jeremiah both used the word to describe those who apostatized from the truth, or true way. The backslider is then added to the list of fools, i.e., the foolish, the wicked, the scorner, the sluggard, etc. It describes one who has started in the way of wisdom but doesn’t continue in it. They may turn back because of simplicity or supposed gain, but the end is getting their own reward (Proverbs 1:31-32). This proverb speaks to the sowing and reaping principle. The second phrase emphasizes the good reward to the
good man (Proverbs 12:14).
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Proverbs 14:22
Posted by Jeff Short on June 8, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
The word for err means to go astray and to devise is to plot or plan. The first phrase refers to the outcome of their plans. They go astray because they plan evil. These are not accidentally or carelessly getting into the wrong way, but are plotting and contriving wickedness (Proverbs 3:29; 6:14). The phrase, mercy and truth, speaks of God’s favor and blessing (Psalm 25:10; 61:7). Here it is the outcome or reward that comes to those who devise good.– Proverbs 14:22
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