Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 10:14

"Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction." — Proverbs 10:14 (ASV)

Firmness of mind sustains one through many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be?

Of all sinners, backsliders will have the most terror when they reflect on their own ways.

The rich will look to themselves, but the poor and needy the prince must defend and plead for.

It is folly to be fond of being praised; it is a temptation to pride.

A discreet and virtuous wife is more valuable than house and riches.

People use schemes to get a good bargain and to buy cheaply; whereas a person ought to be ashamed of fraud and a lie.

The vile sin of licentiousness commonly stupefies the mind beyond recovery.

What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin.

Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must store it up, so that we do not have to search for it when we need it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.

He who pretends to have received or given what he never had, is like the morning cloud, that disappoints those who look for rain.

We will often find it to our advantage to consult with others.

Having seen the slothful man in fear of his work, here we find him in love with his ease. Bodily ease is the sad occasion of many spiritual diseases. He does not care to make progress in his responsibilities. Slothful professing Christians act in this way. The world and the flesh are the hinges on which they turn; and though they engage in a routine of outward religious observances, they are still no closer to heaven.

If money can conquer the fury of the passions, should reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them?

When people use their tongues rightly, to teach and comfort others, they enjoy acceptance through Christ Jesus; and the testimony of their conscience, that they in some measure fulfill the purpose of their being.

There is a fear which causes happiness. Faith and love will deliver from the fear of eternal misery; but we should always fear offending God, and fear sinning against him.

A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself.

The rule by which the wise regulate their conduct is a fountain yielding life and happiness.