John Wesley on Proverbs 14

Buildeth - Maintains and improves her family and estate. Her hands - By her idleness or sin.

A rod - His insolent speeches as they are like a rod, offensive to others, so, they make a rod for their own backs.

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, Amos 4:6. The strength - By their labours, or by diligence in husbandry, which then was principally managed by oxen.

Findeth it not - Because he doth not seek it aright. That understandeth - That is honest and pious.

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.

Favour - They find favour both with God and men.

Bitterness - The inward griefs and joys of mens hearts, are not known to any but a man's self.

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.

In laughter - The outward signs of joy are often mixed with real sorrow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The evil - Good men shall have the pre - eminency over the wicked.

Hated - Despised and abandoned.

Despiseth - That does not pity and relieve the poor.

The talk - Idle talking will bring a man to poverty.

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.

Souls - Such as are innocent, from false accusations.

To depart - To preserve men from destructive courses.

Exalteth - Heb. lifteth up, like a banner, makes it known and visible to all men.

A sound heart - Free from envy and inordinate passions. Is life - Procures and maintains the health and vigour of the body.

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.

Driven away - In his death, from God's favour and presence. Death - In his greatest dangers and distresses, yea even in death itself.

Resteth - Is laid up and hid there. In the midst - In the heart. Made known - They will publish in all times and companies.

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.