Chapter 14
You ever met someone who looked like they had it all figured out? The confident walk, the polished answers, maybe even a “Bible verse of the day” on their social media? But then you find out later their life was being held together with duct tape, drama, and denial? Yes, appearances can be deceiving.
Proverbs 14 opens with a gut-check in verse 12: “There is a way that
seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.” That’s Bible-speak for, “You can be totally convinced you’re right and still be walking off a cliff.”
One of the main culprits? Pride. Pride builds this false wall of security. A kind of DIY fortress where we feel and think you are strong, independent, and untouchable. It whispers, “You’ve got this,” even when you don’t. It leads us to make bold claims, act like we’re in control, and boast about things we have no business bragging about; because deep down, we’re scared of not being in control at all.
Proverbs 14 digs into that. It contrast the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy, the truthful and the deceptive. It’s a warning against living for the moment, building on shaky ground, and trusting in ourselves instead of in God.
Our culture loves self-reliance: “Trust your gut,” “Do you,” “Fake it till you make it.” But Proverbs reminds us: faking it only works for so long. Eventually, storms come. The bill comes due. And when it does, pride collapses. But wisdom, God’s wisdom, builds a life that lasts.
Jesus said He is the narrow way that leads to life. Following Him isn’t about acting like you’ve got it all together. It’s about admitting you don’t, and trusting the One who does. His path may not be the most popular, but it’s the only one that leads to what actually matters: truth, peace, and eternity.
1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, 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 come abundant harvests.
5 An honest 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 fool, for you will not find knowledge on their 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.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers 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 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one 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.
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 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever 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 seek refuge in God.
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 condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
