Proverbs 14:12–15

PROVERBS CHAPTER 14.

V. 12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, the way of sin, at the outset, being apparently straight and smooth, but the end thereof, what it finally leads to, are the ways of death, for transgression invariably leads to mortal ruin.

V. 13. Even In laughter the heart is sorrowful, that is, a person may hide a deep sorrow under a superficial joyousness; and the end of that mirth is heaviness, for trouble will invariably cut short such outward manifestations of joy and bring sorrow in the end.

V. 14. The backslider in heart, he who is of a perverse, malicious heart, who has departed from God in his heart, shall be filled with his own ways, he will be surfeited with the consequences of his own perverseness, he will have to suffer the ruinous results of his sinful acts; and a good man shall be satisfied from himself, literally, “out of himself,” his good conscience affording him the satisfaction of knowing that his behavior is in agreement with the demands of true piety.

V. 15. The simple, the inexperienced, believeth every word, without examining its truth, be is driven to and fro without any judgment of his own; but the prudent man looketh well to his going, watching every step, not attempting anything without the most careful consideration.