Proverbs , Sarah Barry
WISDOM OF THE PRUDENT
Passage: Proverbs 14:1~17  
Key verse: 8
14 The wise woman builds her house,(A)
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox(D) come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.(E)
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(F)
7 Stay away from a fool,
for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,(G)
but the folly of fools is deception.(H)
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
13 Even in laughter(M) the heart may ache,
and rejoicing may end in grief.
15 The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.(P)
Cross references
- Proverbs 14:1 : S Ru 3:11; Pr 24:3
- Proverbs 14:3 : S Pr 10:14; Ecc 10:12
- Proverbs 14:3 : S Pr 10:13; S 12:6
- Proverbs 14:4 : Ps 144:14
- Proverbs 14:5 : S Ps 12:2; S Pr 12:17
- Proverbs 14:6 : S Pr 9:9
- Proverbs 14:8 : ver 15; Pr 15:28; 21:29
- Proverbs 14:8 : ver 24
- Proverbs 14:11 : S Job 8:22; Pr 21:12
- Proverbs 14:11 : S Ps 72:7; S Pr 3:33; S 12:7
- Proverbs 14:12 : S Pr 12:15
- Proverbs 14:12 : Pr 16:25
- Proverbs 14:13 : Ecc 2:2; 7:3, 6
- Proverbs 14:14 : S Pr 1:31
- Proverbs 14:14 : S 2Ch 15:7; Pr 12:14
- Proverbs 14:15 : S ver 8
- Proverbs 14:16 : S Ex 20:20; Pr 22:3
- Proverbs 14:16 : S 1Sa 25:25
- Proverbs 14:17 : S 2Ki 5:12
- Proverbs 14:17 : ver 29; Pr 15:18; 16:28; 26:21; 28:25; 29:22
- Proverbs 14:17 : S Est 5:9
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Don't give into folly (1-7)
When emotions run high or our desires are strong, we give into folly and do things we wish we hadn't. For a mother, the home is her domain. She must never lose sight of the value of making it a place of refuge and strength (1). For everyone, fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. We need to fear God and walk uprightly (2). This will protect us from all kinds of folly: from lashing out at others, from poor planning, from being dishonest, and from following foolish people's proud, empty ways (3-7).
2. Give thought to one's ways (8-17)
When we are prudent, we wisely consider our steps and direction of life. This protects us from all kinds of deception in life. Prudence stops us from foolishly fighting with others and breaking relationships. Prudence helps us to seek goodwill among others. Prudence ensures that our emotions don't control us (10, 12, 16, 17). Prudence protects us from believing lies and being deceived. Taking time to consider our ways goes against our modern mindset to receive instant gratification. We need God's Spirit to prudently consider our steps.
Prayer: Lord, please grant me your Spirit of wisdom to act prudently and protect me from folly.
One Word: Have the wisdom of the prudent