Bible Commentaries
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
Proverbs 14
Buildeth - Maintains and improves her family and estate. Her hands - By her idleness or sin.
A rod - His insolent speeches as they are like a rod, offensive to others, so, they make a rod for their own backs.
The crib - The stable is empty of food for cattle, and much more for man. In the same sense cleanness of teeth is put for famine, Amos 4:6 . The strength - By their labours, or by diligence in husbandry, which then was principally managed by oxen.
Findeth it not - Because he doth not seek it aright. That understandeth - That is honest and pious.
His way - Consists not in vain speculations, but in a diligent study of his duty, and of the way to eternal happiness. The folly - The wit of ungodly men, which is really their folly, is employed only in finding out ways of deceiving.
Bitterness - The inward griefs and joys of mens hearts, are not known to any but a man's self.
Right - There are some evil courses which men may think to be lawful and good. The end - The event shews that they were sinful and destructive.
In heart - He who departs from God inwardly. Filled - With the fruit of his ways, the punishment of his sins. Satisfied - From the pious temper of his own heart, which cleaves to the Lord, he shall receive unspeakable comfort.
The simple - A foolish man. Looketh - He orders his dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do.
Feareth - Trembles at God's judgments when they are either inflicted or threatened. Rageth - Frets against God; or is enraged against his messengers. Confident - Secure and insensible of his danger.
Foolishly - His passion hurries him into foolish speeches and actions. Wicked devices - One who suppresses his passion, but meditates revenge. Hated - Both by God and men.
Inherit - They possess it as their inheritance, holding it fast, and glorying in it. Knowledge - The saving knowledge of God and of their own duty.
Riches - They are a singular advantage and ornament to them. But - As for rich fools, their folly is not cured, but made worse and more manifest by their riches.
A sound heart - Free from envy and inordinate passions. Is life - Procures and maintains the health and vigour of the body.
His maker - Whose image the poor man bears, by whose providence he is made poor, and who hath declared himself to be their protector and avenger.
Driven away - In his death, from God's favour and presence. Death - In his greatest dangers and distresses, yea even in death itself.
Resteth - Is laid up and hid there. In the midst - In the heart. Made known - They will publish in all times and companies.
Shame - Both to himself, by his foolish management of the king's affairs, and to the king who made so foolish a choice of a servant.
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