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Proverbs 14:1-7
A chain of contrasts sets basic patterns for speech, work, truth, and counsel, ending by urging distance from foolish talk.
Meaning in context
The wise woman builds her house, while the foolish tears it down by her own actions. Upright walking is contrasted with crooked ways as observable life-direction.
The fool’s mouth produces a “rod” for his own back—words that boomerang into trouble—while the wise are protected by their lips.
A clean manger without oxen is contrasted with increased yield that comes through ox-strength: productivity has costs but brings gain. A truthful witness does not lie, whereas a false witness spills deception.
The scoffer’s search fails, while the discerning find knowledge readily. The final line urges leaving the presence of a fool because you should not expect knowledge on his lips.
Section 1 of 6
Wise and foolish patterns contrasted
A chain of contrasts sets basic patterns for speech, work, truth, and counsel, ending by urging distance from foolish talk.
Movement
Wisdom at the gate and table
Artifact
Wisdom for ordinary life
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Proverbs context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Proverbs context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Proverbs context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
Scripture Text
Thesis
A chain of contrasts sets basic patterns for speech, work, truth, and counsel, ending by urging distance from foolish talk.
Plain Meaning
The wise woman builds her house, while the foolish tears it down by her own actions. Upright walking is contrasted with crooked ways as observable life-direction.
The fool’s mouth produces a “rod” for his own back—words that boomerang into trouble—while the wise are protected by their lips.
A clean manger without oxen is contrasted with increased yield that comes through ox-strength: productivity has costs but brings gain. A truthful witness does not lie, whereas a false witness spills deception.
The scoffer’s search fails, while the discerning find knowledge readily. The final line urges leaving the presence of a fool because you should not expect knowledge on his lips.
Literary Context
These sayings belong to the compact, contrastive proverbs common in Proverbs 10–22. The lines juxtapose two paths and their outcomes, moving across home-life, conduct, speech, labor and yield, courtroom testimony, and the capacity to learn, then ending with a practical admonition to avoid a fool.
Historical Context
Proverbs reflects Israel’s wisdom tradition used to train people for everyday life in family and community. The imagery assumes an agrarian household economy (animals, stalls, harvest) and public settings where witness testimony affects justice and reputation.
Theological Significance
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Keep Studying
witness (‘êḏ)