Proverbs 14:14-18--The Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 14:14-18
English Standard Version
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
    and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
15 The simple believes everything,
    but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
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.

---

A backslider is one who makes a commitment and then backs out on it.  The ultimate example of this would be someone who is apostate and makes a commitment to God and then denies Him.  That person will reap what he has sown, and so will the righteous.  Each man will reap more than he sows later than he sows in accordance with what he sowed.  It is the "Law of the Sower."

The simple-minded man is gullible and will believe anything.  Sometimes it's not such a bad thing to assume people are going to be honest people, but it's quite another thing to not be discerning and believe something that you should know is a tall tale--especially when it comes to issues like salvation and eternal life.  The righteous prudent man (the wise person) carefully considers everything and gives thought to his steps.  He knows what he believes and why he believes it.  He doesn't just simply believe something he hears without examining it to see if it is consistent with God's Word.

The wise and cautious person turns away from evil that he has been doing (he repents) and he turns away from evil that might entrap or ensnare him.  However, a fool runs headlong into trouble.  There's no need for temptation because he already wanted to do it.  He sins with reckless abandon, without care for self or others.

A man who is controlled by his anger (with a quick temper) acts foolishly and does things that he later regrets.  I personally regret many things that I have said and done in anger as this was one of my besetting sins when I was younger.  Solomon also says that a wicked person that schemes and plots wicked things is hated by all men.  They find ways to take advantage of and use everyone--friends, family, neighbors.  They usually think of no one other than themselves, but by destroying everyone else around them, they end up destroying themselves in the process.

The simple, foolish person has folly for his reward, but the prudent and wise man has knowledge to add to his wisdom.

We'll come back and look at more of the Proverbs of Solomon next time.