Proverbs 28:14 - Printer Friendly

What does Proverbs 28:14 mean?

ESV: Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

NIV: Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

NASB: How blessed is the person who fears always, But one who hardens his heart will fall into disaster.

CSB: Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

NLT: Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

KJV: Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

NKJV: Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Verse Commentary:

This proverb uses the Hebrew root word pachad, often used for the emotion of fear. Different terms translated into English as "fear" may refer more to respect or reverence (Proverbs 1:7; Leviticus 19:32). Both concepts are important, but this verse seems more inclined to the idea of alarm or dread. Those who stubbornly ignore the dangers of sin (Proverbs 22:5), warnings from others (Proverbs 12:15), or God's clear commands (Proverbs 1:23) set themselves up for catastrophe (Proverbs 8:32–36). This attitude is depicted as someone who "hardens his heart," a common phrase connected to obstinate disobedience to the Lord (Exodus 7:13; Daniel 5:20; John 12:40).

Later, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) relates another proverb which warns about the consequences of stubborn rejection of God (Proverbs 29:1).

Some translators interpret this as an appeal to revere God. This is not an unreasonable conclusion, even if the Hebrew text itself does not mention "the LORD." The lesson contrasts with those who are stubborn, and the prior teaching referred to repentance (Proverbs 28:13). For a person to be properly reverent and seek goodness, obedience to God is implied (Proverbs 2:6–9).

Psalm 1 defines happiness, in part, as following the truths of God's Word. Happiness come by loving God's Word and obeying it. This means rejecting influence from the ungodly. The wicked receive divine judgment and are eternally separated from God, but the person who reveres the Lord enjoys a productive life. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus used a term meaning "blessed" or "happy" to describe "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). The choice is clear: if a person chooses to honor the Lord and "fear" evil, they will be happy. If someone hardens their heart against the Lord, it eventually leads to disastrous trouble.

Proverbs 28:13–28 features several lessons about generosity and greed. The passage also notes the importance of integrity and honesty. Some proverbs contained here combine these ideas, speaking of work ethic, fairness, care for the poor, and so forth.

Chapter Summary:

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

Chapter Context:

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 1:28:21 AM