Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Proverbs 14:1
pro 14:1
Buildeth - Maintains and improves her family and estate. Her hands - By her idleness or sin.
Proverbs 14:3
pro 14:3
A rod - His insolent speeches as they are like a rod, offensive to others, so, they make a rod for their own backs.
Proverbs 14:4
pro 14:4
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, Amo 4:6. The strength - By their labours, or by diligence in husbandry, which then was principally managed by oxen.
Proverbs 14:6
pro 14:6
Findeth it not - Because he doth not seek it aright. That understandeth - That is honest and pious.
Proverbs 14:8
pro 14:8
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.
Proverbs 14:9
pro 14:9
Favour - They find favour both with God and men.
Proverbs 14:10
pro 14:10
Bitterness - The inward griefs and joys of mens hearts, are not known to any but a man's self.
Proverbs 14:12
pro 14:12
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.
Proverbs 14:13
pro 14:13
In laughter - The outward signs of joy are often mixed with real sorrow.
Proverbs 14:14
pro 14:14
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.
Proverbs 14:15
pro 14:15
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.
Proverbs 14:16
pro 14:16
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.
Proverbs 14:17
pro 14:17
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.
Proverbs 14:18
pro 14:18
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.
Proverbs 14:19
pro 14:19
The evil - Good men shall have the pre - eminency over the wicked.
Proverbs 14:20
pro 14:20
Hated - Despised and abandoned.
Proverbs 14:21
pro 14:21
Despiseth - That does not pity and relieve the poor.
Proverbs 14:23
pro 14:23
The talk - Idle talking will bring a man to poverty.
Proverbs 14:24
pro 14:24
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.
Proverbs 14:25
pro 14:25
Souls - Such as are innocent, from false accusations.
Proverbs 14:27
pro 14:27
To depart - To preserve men from destructive courses.
Proverbs 14:29
pro 14:29
Exalteth - Heb. lifteth up, like a banner, makes it known and visible to all men.
Proverbs 14:30
pro 14:30
A sound heart - Free from envy and inordinate passions. Is life - Procures and maintains the health and vigour of the body.
Proverbs 14:31
pro 14:31
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.
Proverbs 14:32
pro 14:32
Driven away - In his death, from God's favour and presence. Death - In his greatest dangers and distresses, yea even in death itself.
Proverbs 14:33
pro 14:33
Resteth - Is laid up and hid there. In the midst - In the heart. Made known - They will publish in all times and companies.
Proverbs 14:35
pro 14:35
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.
