Proverbs 14

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“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.” (Proverbs 14:10 NLT).

April 28, 2022

DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW SOMEONE ELSE FEELS? John Donne wrote that “no man is an island,” illustrating his conviction that we should recognize the unity and commonality of all humanity. Yet, the Proverb teaches that there is within a man that which cannot be fully shared nor understood by another. For the depth of

“The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy” (Proverbs 14:10 NKJV).

April 28, 2020

BE CAREFUL WHEN SAYING ‘I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL’ John Donne wrote that “no man is an island,” illustrating his conviction that we should recognize the unity and commonality of all humanity. Yet, the Proverb teaches that there is within a man that which cannot be fully shared nor understood by another. For the depth

“A quick-tempered man acts foolishly” (Proverbs 14:17 NKJV).

May 2, 2017

The man who is easily offended and quick to lose his temper will do and say things that make him look foolish. Afterwards, he is often sorry and ashamed, so he repents of his behavior. Yet, his short fuse remains, so that he returns to his folly again and again. The foolish behavior will not stop until his angry temperament is properly dealt with.

Anger itself isn’t sin, but uncontrolled anger can lead to sin. So, we must ask the Holy Spirit to give us a long-fuse and self-control, so that Christ rules us, rather than our anger. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Eph. 4:26-27).

“The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1 NKJV).

April 24, 2017

This parable is as true of the man as of the woman, yet the woman is here emphasized. Wisdom is characterized by a willingness to be faithful to the calling and gifting of the Lord. The wise woman fears the Lord and so she is fruitful in all things, loving her husband and raising her children in the admonitions of the Lord (Titus 2:4-5). She “watches over her household and does not eat the bread of idleness,” and her children and husband “rise up and call her blessed” (Prov. 31:27-28).

Foolishness wants its own way, rather than God’s way. It bucks against God’s blueprint for the home and chooses the way of ease. She blames the decline of her house on others, yet her own behavior is at the root of its demise.

Wisdom builds up, but foolishness tears down. What is the secret to receiving this wisdom for our home? Jesus Christ is the answer! As the apostle Paul wrote, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24). Build your house on Christ the Solid Rock!

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12 ESV)

April 29, 2016

Many today claim to have found a new and better “way.” Some say theirs is the way of freedom. Others claim their way is as good as any other. “Aren’t all ways the same?” They ask with a wink and a nod. Yet, God’s Word says that these “ways” only “seem right.” In reality, death lies just around the turn. Death by a thousand cuts: Death of a relationship, of a marriage, death of a desired future… and finally death of the body and the eternal death that follows. The way that seems right to man is paved like a highway, and seems attractive to follow, yet it concludes with a dead end of destruction. However, there is another way, a narrow way, that leads to life, yet few will find it (Matt. 7:13-14).

“Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief” (Proverbs 14:13 NKJV)

April 30, 2015

As we grow older, we know the truth of this proverb. The pure and simple laughter of our youth has become mixed with the sober realities and growing complexities of this life. Rare is the day of unfettered joy that is not muddied with some grief. Yet, we long for an unclouded day, where joy rises like the sun and we leap like a calf released from the stall (Mal. 4:2).

“A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding” (Proverbs 14:6 NLT)

April 26, 2014

The “mocker” is made nervous by too serious a tone and feels the need to interrupt with sarcasm and sly remarks. He satisfies himself with an awareness of knowledge without commitment to the same and questions others sincerity. He may rise to the king’s court, but never as more than the king’s fool. Everyone laughs at the mocker’s comedy, but no one follows his command. In contrast, the one with “understanding” is able to grasp knowledge and to accept and apply it to their own life situation as well. The one with understanding may know less than the mocker, yet applies what he knows. While the mocker knows without application. The one with understanding becomes wise. The mocker remains a fool.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12 ESV)

April 29, 2013

Jesus made two statements that refine our understanding of this proverb. He said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matt.7:13). Then, describing this “narrow” way, he said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes to Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is a worldly highway jammed with traffic that seems right since “everyone else is doing it,” but it leads to death. Only a few follow the narrow path winding past the hill Golgotha and the empty tomb as they follow the risen Lord Jesus. Yet, those who do find rest at the end of the road.

“Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27)

May 6, 2012

Fear, respect, be in awe of God. Not because He is cruel or capricious, but because He is Creator and King. Fearing Him, we don’t have to fear anything else, including death itself.

“Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation” (Proverbs 14:9)

April 28, 2012

Psychologists tell us we shouldn’t feel guilty, saying, “Guilt is a relic of religion.” But the Bible says they are fools. Do you know why we feel guilty? Because we are. Rather than denying or medicating our guilt, why not acknowledge it and let the blood of Jesus remove it?