His Ambassador Blog

Proverbs is a book known for its applicable wisdom. Written by Solomon, the son of David and the third king of Israel. The Lord told Solomon that He would give him anything that He asked for. Instead of asking for riches, power, or anything of these sorts, Solomon asked for wisdom and the Lord greatly blessed him with such. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs so for the next 31 days of May we’re going to take a look at the wisdom in each one. 

Chapter Fourteen: The work of the Fools and the work of the Wise.

In this chapter it is as if Solomon gives us a compare and contrast between the way of those who are fools and the way of those who are wise. We’re going to look at a few of those ways.

“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”(v.1)

This first difference looks to wives/mothers. A wise woman will build her house up, encouraging them, helping them, nurturing them, and loving with grace. A foolish woman tears her house down, she discourages her children, she nags her husband, and overall she makes life difficult for her family. A wise woman is the backbone of the family, while a foolish woman does not look out for them. 

“A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.”(v.5)

Those who are wise will tell the truth. We’ve seen this in almost every other chapter so far. Wise people love truth and truth finds those who are wise. Fools constantly lie, so much so that it is as if lies are the air that they are breathing. 

“The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”(v.8, 15) 

Those who are wise determines what their next steps should be. They consider the best, most God-honoring decision and choose that one. But fools destroy themselves because it is as if their decisions deceive them. The don’t make wise decisions and they don’t consider how their choices will affect their future. 

“Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.”(v.9)

Fools seek sonthing wrong with the way they are living. They think that their sins are okay and they have no need or desire for repentance. Those who seek wisdom and forgiveness will find it. The Lord delights in us returning back to Him and away from sin. The Lord does not turn from those who request forgiveness and repent.  

“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.”(v.16-17)

Wise people are cautious people. They consider the future and the impact of their decisions. Fools act irrationally. The cannot control their anger, they lash out against anyone and everyone. The wise person knows patience and grace. Their words are showered in kindness and gentleness. 

“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”(v.21)

Those who are wise love their neighbors! Because Christ has so dearly loved us, we must love others. It is sin to hate others. We should recognize that all are created in the image of God, whether we are fond of that person or not. Wise people are also generous. They give to others because Christ has so kingly given to them. Wise people give to those who are lacking, whether that be in food, love, or even wisdom. Those who truly love God will show it by loving the people God created.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”(v.30)

Wise people are at peace. They don’t desire anything other others because they know that in the Lord they have everything they need. The heart and mind of the wise is at ease because they have been satisfied by the only One who can truly satisfy. The sound and steady heart of the wise comes from leaning on the Lord.