Proverbs 24:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

NIV: Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

NASB: Know that wisdom is the same for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.

CSB: realize that wisdom is the same for you. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.

NLT: In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

KJV: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

NKJV: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.

The prior verse (Proverbs 24:13) referred to something pleasurable and valuable: honey. It is appropriate to enjoy what God provided (1 Timothy 4:4) when those things are used as He intended. This portion of the wise saying applies this sense of approval to the concept of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 19:9–11). As honey provides pleasure and nourishment to the body, wisdom is uplifting and life-giving to the soul.

Scripture, especially the book of Proverbs, connects godly wisdom with concepts such as life and security (Proverbs 10:7; 12:28; 14:27). These are not guarantees of invincibility. The same books of Scripture also note that godly people can suffer tragedy and hardship (Psalm 18:6; 132:1; Proverbs 24:16). Rather, the Bible teaches that those who follow God's will and avoid sin can avoid negative natural consequences. They also move closer to God and avoid eternal death (Proverbs 8:32–36; 11:4). Whatever brings a person closer to truth (John 14:6) brings them closer to God.

John 3:36 promises, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life." Believers are guaranteed a place in heaven because they belong to the One who conquered death and is seated now at the Father's right hand. Jesus, who is the Truth, promised, "In my Father's house are many rooms… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2–3). Further, the believer's hope of seeing Jesus and being with Him in heaven is not groundless. It is secure. Hebrews 6:19 describes the believer's hope as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."

Proverbs 24:13–22 gives practical advice to Solomon's son, or student. This passage includes the last five of thirty wise teachings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) is something to be savored and enjoyed. A wise person is not violent nor predatory; he does not gloat over a defeated enemy. The reader is again reminded not to be jealous or fearful of evil people, as they are subject to God's judgment.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.