Proverbs 14:7-9 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:7

Go from the presence of a foolish man. There is some doubt about the rendering of this passage. The Vulgate gives, vade contra stultum, which is probably to be taken in the sense of the Authorized Version. The Revised Version has, "Go into the presence of a foolish man." The Hebrew מִנֶּגֶד ( minneged ) may mean "from before," "over against," "in the presence of." Hence arises an ambiguity. The Authorized Version considers the sentence to be an injunction to turn away from a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way. The wisdom of the prudent is shown by his considering whither his actions lead, the motives from which they spring, the results that attend them. As the apostle enjoins ( Ephesians 5:15 ), "See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise." Or the clause may be taken as enjoining a wise choice in life, a selection of such a calling or occupation as best suits one's capabilities, station, and opportunities. The folly of fools is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8

Understanding our way A man may be "prudent," he may be clever, learned, astute; yet he may miss his way, he may lose his life, he may prove to be a failure. The wisdom of the prudent, that which makes prudence or ability really valuable, that which constitutes its virtue, is the practical understanding of life, the knowledge which enables a man to take the right path and keep it, the discretion which chooses the line of a true success and maintains it to the end. It is to perceive and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8-19

The understanding of one's way I. THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE . ( Proverbs 14:8 .) To note, to observe, to take heed to one's way, is the characteristic of the man who is prudent for time and wise for eternity. And, on the contrary, the very principle of folly is self-deception—to be followed in turn by a terrible awakening to sobriety and recognition of the truth (comp. Psalms 7:15 ; Job 4:8 ). The right way is illustrated both positively and negatively. II. SOME PARTICULAR ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:9

Fools make a mock at sin. So the Vulgate (comp. Proverbs 10:23 ). Fools, wicked men, commit sin lightly and cheerfully, give specious names to grievous transgressions, pass over rebuke with a joke, encourage others in crime by their easy way of viewing it. But in the original the verb is in the singular number, while the noun is plural, and the clause could be translated as in the Authorized Version only with the notion that the number of the verb is altered in order to individualize the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:9

The sadness of sin It is foolish enough to use the words "sin" and "sinner" in the light and flippant way in which they are frequently employed. But to "make a mock at sin" itself, to treat otherwise than seriously the fact and forces of sin, is folly indeed. For sin is— I. THE SADDEST AND STERNEST FACT IN ALL THE UNIVERSE OF GOD . It is the ultimate cause of all the disorder, misery, ruin, and death that are to be found beneath any sky. There is no curse or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:6-7

Proverbs 14:6-7. A scorner A proud, self-conceited, and profane person; seeketh wisdom and findeth it not Because he doth not seek it aright, namely, sincerely, earnestly, and seasonably, and in a constant and diligent use of all the means which God hath appointed to that end; and with an honest intention of employing his knowledge in the service of God, and for the furtherance of true religion. But knowledge is easy unto him That is, is plain, and easily attained by him; that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:8

Proverbs 14:8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way It consists not in vain speculations, nor in a curious prying into other men’s matters, much less in subtle arts of deceiving others, but in a diligent study of his own duty, and of the way to true and eternal happiness; but the folly of fools is deceit The wit of ungodly men, which, though they account it their wisdom, is really their folly, is employed only in finding out ways of overreaching and deceiving others, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:9

Proverbs 14:9. Fools make a mock at sin Wicked men, here meant by fools, please and divert themselves with their own and other men’s sins, which is a high offence to God and all good men. Or, as others render the clause, excuse, or cover sin; they sin against God or men, and then justify or extenuate their sins, which is to double the iniquity. Possibly the Hebrew of this clause, אולים יליצ אשׁם , may be rendered, Sin deludes, or makes a mock of, fools, or sinners; that is, exposes... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 14:1-35

Hidden feelings and motives (14:1-35)Wisdom builds, but folly destroys. People’s actions reveal their attitude to God (14:1-2). The wisdom of their speech and their commitment to hard work are among the things that determine whether they progress or come to ruin (3-5). Those who think they know everything can never become truly wise and therefore can never have right discernment in the moral issues of life (6-8).Good people may prosper and evil people may suffer loss, but outward appearances do... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:8-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:9

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:6-7

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:9

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 14:1-35

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