Proverbs 14 THE MIND OF THE WISE It is possible for us to live our whole life without anything of lasting value to show for all the years of labor and futile effort. To begin early in adult life with an objective, a life-goal, assists us in being realistic about what we can and cannot do. To chase dreams, or to “dream big,” are challenges carelessly thrown out at graduation ceremonies that do a disservice to young people who say to themselves, “I can be a millionaire if I put my mind to it,” or “I could be the president of the USA if I really want to.”
The proverbs help us to be realistic and sensibly aware of our strengths and weaknesses. They also give us an understanding of how the Lord works in the lives of “every-day-people” to enable them to be successful parents, successful in relationship, successful in personal life and in the areas of leadership to which God equips and leads us.
This chapter of Proverbs begins with a wise woman who understands and accepts her role in life, and is doing a good job of it. She is a builder of lives, not a critic. She applies effort to the benefit of her household, not just for her own self-centered ambitions. She realizes her work is a full-time job that will have a greater effect on her family and others than any money she earns. The effect of her life and work on others, for good or bad, depends on her being a builder or a wrecker. What takes a long time to build, can be quickly torn down by a foolish woman.
A wise man who fears the Lord and conducts his life with honor and righteousness, is in direct contrast to those who do not consider the Lord at all, but despise Him. The thoughts of the mind determine whether both the woman in the first verse and the man in the second will be a positive or negative person in the lives of others – especially their own family. A young person who will not listen to wise counsel but is defensive, willful and rebellious, will suffer in one way or another. His conceit and his talk will bring regret and embarrassment. A person who thinks before he speaks is wise. He is the kind of person who is willing to listen and to learn.
When we put those first verses into a family context, if you want what you consider a “perfect life,” with no inconveniences or disruptive events, don’t have children. The joy of family life you will never experience when you choose to live a self-centered life. If you are a productive farmer, you are going to have to shovel some dirt. If you want all of the meetings of an assembly to always be quiet and reverential with nothing to upset your thoughts, do not allow children to come. You will have quietness, no growth, no inconveniences, no need to clean the building – and soon no need of a building because there will be no one there and no assembly.
An honest person will tell the truth and all the truth. He will not try to deceive a judge in the courtroom, elders in an assembly, or caring school teachers and parents. Lying is the practice, not the exception of false witnesses in any situation. What a person is in character, is seen by what they do in conduct. What a person is in themselves is displayed when they mock the words of those who seek to teach them. They do not seriously take for themselves what is taught. Their self-centered pride rejects the words of the wise. Those who want to know what is right will seek for it and act upon the wisdom they have learned.
This is a charge to a son who is listening to a wise person, - “Stay away from fools!” When a person is speaking or acting nonsense, distance yourself. You will not benefit in any way from the nonsense of a comedian or the bitter words of a rabble-rouser. If you stay there it will pervert your mind, affect your conduct and may hurt your reputation and character as a trust-worthy person. The mind has an effect on who we are, how we mature and grow and how we gain wisdom. That opens up to how the things we do appears to other people. If I don’t bring “every thought into captivity,” I will find myself not being trusted even in public. A person who has wisdom will carefully consider the outcome of a course that is before them which they plan to take. That person will think about the positive or negative effects of this choice. The foolish person doesn’t bother to think about it and doesn’t care. Consequently, they deceive themselves and others.
Mockers have a callous attitude toward sin. They don’t consider the damage it causes. They don’t seem to have any consciousness of guilt. Those who are committed to a clean, upright life, have a sensitivity toward right and wrong. Their goodwill keeps them from having to be first, complaining a lot or creating tension. They know what is right and they are motivated to do what is right. True friendship is not very common. Consequently, there are bitter things in life we do not share with others, and sorrow that we keep to ourselves. There are also things that have brought us great joy when the bitter work is done and gone. There are truths that dawn on our souls, that we can’t express but they are real to us and bring us real joy.
Some great event or success in the life of a wicked person may seem temporarily to be a wonder, and it could be the startup of a business of a home. But because it is the fruit of wickedness and sin, it can be overthrown in a very short time. Who would ever think living in a tent could be a place where life could flourish? Abraham is an example of one who dwelt in a tent but his faith flourished, because he “looked for a city whose builder and maker is God.” It is what a person is, not what they have, that determines what flourishes. The way of man is contrary to the way of God. The way of man leads to death. The way of God leads to eternal life. When one trusts the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, that faith makes them able to please God, and they “follow Jesus in the way,” because He is “the Way.”
What we see on the outside maybe very different on the inside. A person may be able to laugh at something and yet it is a big inner hurt to them. Laughing and making a joke about something may be a person’s way of covering the pain that very thing causes. A self-centered believer is away from the Lord. One who has an inward sin issue that has not been confessed and dealt with, will find the consequences of that is in all they do. One’s whole life will be inwardly miserable no matter how successful he may be, because his words and inner thoughts are different than his walk. The man of faith and righteousness in life, will find approval from God and encouragement and joy in what he does.
Just because something appeals to us, or seems to be a good deal doesn’t mean it is. Don’t be gullible. It is foolish to think that people will tell you everything when they are trying to get you to do something for them or sell something to you. A prudent person takes the time necessary to discern what is meant as well as what is said. Think before you act. On the other hand, take a careful look at any matter and what surrounds it before taking any action regarding it.
If it has the appearance of evil, likely it is, so get away from it quick and avoid it at all times. An arrogant person will boldly assert they can handle anything life throws at him.
There is a difference between a person with a short temper and one who schemes, plans and premeditates evil. The first one is a temperamental fool. The second one is a dangerous and hated person who knows what he is doing and carefully plans to carry out some wicked act. A thoughtless simple person will get nothing but the results of foolishness on his part, or being fooled by others. The wise person will be blessed because of his discernment and knowledge will increase. The day will come when those who have planned for, devised and then carried out evil purposes, will bow in respect to those who were righteous and conducted their lives before people in the fear of God.
Both rich and poor people have dangers to avoid. What a person truly is, cannot be measured by the amount of money he or she has. People avoid poor people who either ask for financial help, or appear so destitute that one who withholds helping them feels guilty. Those kinds of “friends” are those who are there when you have money and spend some of it helping them, but are not around when you run out of money. Spiritual and personal interest is what really counts in personal relationships. To balance things, the writer of the Proverbs points out it is sin to not do good when we can. Our neighbors may be helpless to do what is needed, and for me to “know to do good, and not do it, is sin.” When we can help a person out of some hard situation, it is our privilege and responsibility to do it.
When a person plans to do evil, he has already gone astray, and when he is caught, he won’t find mercy nearby. People will not trust that person. When a person makes plans to do what is right and good, they will find both mercy and truth. That person is fruitful and trustworthy. There is profit in hard work, both for one’s self and for others. Sitting around and chatting doesn’t help anyone. In fact, those who do that will soon find themselves without anything. Trivial talk has no profit to anyone. When a person is wise enough to look around and consider how they can get ahead, they will find the opportunity they seek and will find it has its rewards. When a person is known for “only fooling around,” that is all they will get. Nothing more than foolishness.
When called upon to bear witness to an event or person, tell the truth. Truth and fairness with justice, will save people’s lives. The lies of a false witness have no value and casts a bad reflection on our Lord Jesus if that person professes to be a Christian. God is a refuge for those who respect and honor Him. That person’s children will have safety because of parents who trust the Lord. The best thing a man can leave his family is a legacy of faith. When the fear of the Lord governs our actions by the power and wisdom God gives us, it also gives satisfaction in life. It protects us along the way and contributes to our abundant and confident life.
Those who lead others, need to stop and look back from time to time to see if anyone is following them and their example. A leader needs to value people and let them know he does. Those who know leaders care for them and trust them, will be loyal followers. If people don’t pay attention to your leadership, you are not really a leader and are not in the right position. It is very important to keep your temper under control, especially when being provoked and tested. A person with a short temper loses credibility quickly when his impulsive behavior exposes him as a man who cannot be depended on.
A person who is contented with their lot in life can avoid a lot of health issues that are associated with emotional stress. An unsatisfied mind leads to frustration, which leads to resentment, which leads to bitterness and jealousy. Poor people have always had a special place in God’s heart. Truly poor people deserve our assistance. To insult, demean, mock or ignore those with real need is totally wrong. When people do that to the poor, that should move us to take action to meet their need and speak up on their behalf. A person without Christ is still in their sins and there is not hope for rich or poor to escape eternal judgment. Those who are saved by God’s grace can die in confidence, trusting wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is a calmness and quietness of spirit in one who has learned from wisdom and can discern the mind of God without making a big fuss about it. Fools who are dramatic about senseless things are advertising their lack of wisdom. When a nation is committed to maintaining its righteous laws and maintains its standards without compromise, that nation will be honored. When principles of righteous living are abandoned, that nation will be a disgrace among all nations as well as those who live righteous lives in that nation. A leader needs wise counselors around him who know what is best for him and those he leads. One who was thought to be wise, and turns out to be a fool will certainly anger the king and soon will lose any position he once held.