Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs of the Gullible & Discerning, Proverbs 14:16-20

Friday, September 30, 2022

Proverbs 14:16–20

[16] One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

[17] A man of quick temper acts foolishly,

and a man of evil devices is hated.

[18] The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

[19] The evil bow down before the good,

the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

[20] The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,

but the rich has many friends. (ESV)

Proverbs of the Gullible v. the Discerning

v.16 This proverb builds on the previous one. The way the Wise man is able to turn away from the evil path that leads to everlasting destruction is through a relationship with the Lord, which we have by grace through faith in His unchanging Word. The reckless and careless fool, on the other hand, does not have the fear of the Lord—even according to the incorrect definition of being afraid of God's punishment. He thinks he can dabble in sinful behavior and over-confidently believes he is free from repercussions.

v.17 There are two types of fools described by this proverb. The first is stupid because he acts in haste without forethought. The second does stop to consider his actions beforehand, but his thoughts are not guided by the fear of the Lord. Instead, he blindly follows his sinful heart and reaps the hatred of the Lord and other people.

v.18 The gullible person eventually inherits only foolishness because he cannot discern between foolishness and Wisdom. The prudent person sets his sight on Divine Wisdom and strives for it. The fool obtains the fruits of his foolishness in eternity, which is everlasting damnation. The prudent man receives the crown of eternal life, not because of his own Wisdom but the knowledge that Christ's death and resurrection clothe him in the righteousness of Christ for eternity. The fool is left with nothing, and the wise will gain ever-increasing comfort and knowledge of his salvation both in this life and the life of the world to come (Matthew 13:12; 25:29; 1 Corinthians 3:9–13; Revelation 4:4, 10–11; 7:9–12).

v.19 This verse is the first of four proverbs linked by the words "neighbor" and "poor." Here, evil people are equated with wicked people and good people with the righteous. The good person is righteous not because of his inherent goodness (since he is a sinner) but good because he receives the righteousness of Christ by faith. The righteous person may see the fulfillment of this proverb in this life, but its ultimate fulfillment will come on the day every knee shall bow to Christ (Psalm 110; Philippians 2:10; cf. Romans 14:10–11). The exalted Christ also promises the faithful believer that in the end, unbelievers will do this: "Behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will know that I have loved you" (Revelation 3:9).

v.20 This verse is another proverb that states realities of life without endorsing them or advocating these particular behaviors. It is perhaps a word of caution to those with wealth about the nature of those who may seek their friendship.