Scripture
1A wise woman builds her home,
but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
2Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;
those who take the wrong path despise him.
3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
but the words of the wise keep them safe.
4Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
5An honest witness does not lie;
a false witness breathes lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7Stay away from fools,
for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
8The prudent understand where they are going,
but fools deceive themselves.
9Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can fully share its joy.
11The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,
but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14Backsliders get what they deserve;
good people receive their reward.
15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16The wise are cautious[1] and avoid danger;
fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
17Short-tempered people do foolish things,
and schemers are hated.
18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,[2]
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19Evil people will bow before good people;
the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
while the rich have many “friends.”
21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
blessed are those who help the poor.
22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;
if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
23Work brings profit,
but mere talk leads to poverty!
24Wealth is a crown for the wise;
the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
25A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is a traitor.
26Those who fear the Lord are secure;
he will be a refuge for their children.
27Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
it offers escape from the snares of death.
28A growing population is a king’s glory;
a prince without subjects has nothing.
29People with understanding control their anger;
a hot temper shows great foolishness.
30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
but helping the poor honors him.
32The wicked are crushed by disaster,
but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;
wisdom is not[3] found among fools.
34Godliness makes a nation great,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35A king rejoices in wise servants
but is angry with those who disgrace him.
Translation notes (3)
- 14:16 Hebrew The wise fear.
- 14:18 Or inherit foolishness.
- 14:33 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew lacks not.
12There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
Going on walks is one of my favorite things to do, whether I am by myself or with a friend. I love enjoying God’s beautiful creation in nature and getting fresh air. When I go for a walk, I do not usually have a specific destination I want to get to. I just want to go for a walk. While I may not have a desired destination, I have learned that you always move in the direction toward somewhere. For example, I went on a walk the other day with no desired destination and ultimately ended up at my favorite coffee shop. I did not intend to walk to the coffee shop, but that is where my walk led me. Of course, I had to grab a cup of coffee before I turned around and walked toward home. We will always end up somewhere when we go for a walk, a drive, or a run. That is just what happens. This is also true when we think about our lives, decisions, and the steps we take. We will always end up somewhere, whether intentionally or unintentionally. That destination may lead to life, or it may lead to destruction based on the path we decide to take.
Proverbs is a book of the Bible known for its wisdom, and in chapter 14, we find a warning that the wrong paths lead to destruction. The writer of this Proverb wrote, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (verse 12). This verse is a warning that the path God has laid out for us might look different than the rest of the world sees it. For example, the world often sees paths that lead toward a career or financial success as the noble and correct path to follow, but ultimately God’s path may look differently. It might look like not taking the big promotion that would keep you away from your family for weeks at a time. When we are not following the Lord’s path, we will find that it leads to destruction every time. On the other hand, His path leads to life.
Now, if you are like me, you may be wondering how exactly we can know what the paths God is leading us towards are? We listen to His Word and the teaching we hear from pastors whom we trust. We seek advice from godly people. We spend time praying and reflecting on what God might be teaching us. These are all ways we can take steps to know the path that leads to a life that God is leading us towards.
Scripture makes it very clear God’s path leads to life. All other paths lead straight to destruction. Therefore, may you and I seek God’s path above all else and find life as a result.
Moving Toward Action
Spend some time alone with God today. Listen to your favorite worship song, or go for a walk. Listen to a sermon on a topic you need wisdom in. Whatever you decide, set aside time to get alone with God intentionally. Listen for His leading and seek out the path He has for you. Then, commit to following the path that He leads you towards.
Going Deeper
Proverbs 14:1-35 (NLT)
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