Proverbs , Sarah Barry
GIVE THOUGHT TO YOUR STEPS
Passage: Proverbs 14:1~17  
Key verse: 15
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
We start with humbly fearing the LORD (2,16,1:7, 3:5) and observing the fruit of wise people (1,3b,7). A mocker cannot find wisdom because of pride (6a). We also need discernment (6b) so that we do not live as the simpletons (15a) and those who follow worldly consensus do. For example, seeking riches and comfort seems to be common wisdom as we live our lives in the world, but in the end, it will lead to death (12, Lk 9:24-25).
Instead of living by worldly consensus or reacting to every advice or information that we receive, Proverbs encourages us to give thought to our ways (8a). We ought to carefully, and deliberately, give thought to the steps we are taking (15). When we give thought to our ways based on God’s word and pray to God, he will give us the wisdom we need (Ja 1:5). Are the steps you are taking in life leading you toward a deeper relationship with God and others in love?
Prayer: Father, please give us discernment as we give thought to our steps and live with your wisdom.
One Word: Be thoughtful and pray