---
title: "Bullinger"
description: "wise. Hebrew.  chokmoth (see note on Proverbs 1:2 ), wisdoms, plural (with verb in singular) for emphasis. Figure of speech  Hypallage ( App-6 ) = the tr"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/bullingers-companion-bible-notes/proverbs/14"
---

**wise.** Hebrew. *chokmoth* (see note on [Proverbs 1:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/2) ), wisdoms, plural (with verb in singular) for emphasis. Figure of speech *Hypallage* ( App-6 ) = the true wisdom of women, which is put for the *wise* woman. The word is pointed as an Adjective by mistake. See notes on [Proverbs 1:20](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/20) ; [Proverbs 9:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/9/1) ; [Proverbs 14:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/1) .
**buildeth** = has built. Preterite tense, implying the outcome of past wisdom.
**the foolish** = a foolish woman. Hebrew. *'evil.* Same word as in verses: [Proverbs 14:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/3) , [Proverbs 14:8](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/8) , [Proverbs 14:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/9) , [Proverbs 3:17](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/17) , [Proverbs 3:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/18) , [Proverbs 3:24](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/24) , [Proverbs 3:29](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/29) . Not the same word as in verses: [Proverbs 14:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/7) , [Proverbs 14:8](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/8) , [Proverbs 14:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/16) , [Proverbs 7:24](../../../kjv/proverbs/7/24) .
**plucketh it down** = will tear it down: future, because folly's present course is continuous to the end.

**the LORD.** Hebrew. *Jehovah.* App-4 .
**his ways.** It may mean Jehovah's ways: i.e. he who turns out of His ways becomes an apostate, like the "strange" woman.

**mouth.** Put by Figure of speech *Metonymy* (of Cause), App-6 , for what is spoken by it.
**of pride.** Genitive of Possession, "pride's sceptre". See App-17 (3). On the one side, we have "pride", prating, and punishment; on the other side, prudence, piety, and preservation.
**lips.** Put by Figure of speech *Metonymy* (of Cause), App-6 , for what is spoken by them.
**preserve** = guard.

**oxen.** While these were multiplied, horses were prohibited.

**A faithful witness, &c.** See [Matthew 26:60](../../../kjv/matthew/26/60) , [Matthew 26:61](../../../kjv/matthew/26/61) ; [Revelation 1:5](../../../kjv/revelation/1/5) .

**seeketh** = every scorner hath sought repeatedly. Note the past tense.
**and flndeth it not.** Illustrations: the Pharisees ([John 9:29](../../../kjv/john/9/29) . Compare Pro 7:52 , and [1 Corinthians 2:14](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/2/14) ); Jews ([Acts 13:41](../../../kjv/acts/13/41) , [Acts 13:45](../../../kjv/acts/13/45) ); Athenians ([1 Corinthians 1:23](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/1/23) ; [1 Corinthians 2:8](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/2/8) ).
**understandeth** = is discerning. Illustration: Ethiopian ([Acts 8:27-39](../../../kjv/acts/8/27-39) ).

**foolish.** Hebrew. *kesil* . See note on [Proverbs 1:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/7) . Same word as in verses: [Proverbs 14:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/16) , [Proverbs 14:33](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/33) ; not the same word as in verses: [Proverbs 14:1](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/1) , [Proverbs 14:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/3) , [Proverbs 14:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/9) , [Proverbs 1:17](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/17) , [Proverbs 1:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/18) , [Proverbs 1:29](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/29) .
**man.** Hebrew. *'ish* . App-14 .
**When thou perceivest not** = "And acknowledge not". Hebrew. *yada* to know, as in verses: [Proverbs 14:10](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/10) , [Proverbs 14:33](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/33) , &c.

**wisdom.** Hebrew. *chokma.* See note on [Proverbs 1:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/2) .
**the prudent** = a prudent one. See note on "subtil", [Genesis 3:1](../../../kjv/genesis/3/1) .
**is to understand.** Not to vainly speculate about it, or to pry into the ways of others.
**deceit** = lying. Hebrew. *ramah.* See note on [Proverbs 11:18](../../../kjv/proverbs/11/18) .

**make a mock.** The verb is singular, and probably the plural "fools" means "A great fool makes a mock", &c.
**sin** = guilt. The proper name for the trespass offering. Hebrew. *'asham* ( App-44 .) Illustrations: the antediluvians ([Luke 17:26](../../../kjv/luke/17/26) , [Luke 17:27](../../../kjv/luke/17/27) ; [1 Peter 3:20](../../../kjv/1-peter/3/20) ); Abner ([2 Samuel 2:14-17](../../../kjv/2-samuel/2/14-17) ); Haman ([Esther 3:13-15](../../../kjv/esther/3/13-15) . Est 29:2 ); the Jews ([Isaiah 22:13](../../../kjv/isaiah/22/13) ).
**the righteous** = upright ones.
**favour.** Those who offer the trespass offering, experience the Divine favour.

**his own bitterness** = the bitterness of his soul (Hebrew. *nephesh.* App-13 ). Illustrations: Hannah ([1 Samuel 1:8-13](../../../kjv/1-samuel/1/8-13) ); Joab ([2 Samuel 19:5-7](../../../kjv/2-samuel/19/5-7) ); the Shunammite ([2 Kings 4:27](../../../kjv/2-kings/4/27) ); Haman ([Esther 5:13](../../../kjv/esther/5/13) ); Job ([Job 3](../../../kjv/job/3) ); Herod ([Mark 6:16](../../../kjv/mark/6/16) ).
**a stranger** = an apostate. Hebrew. *zur.* See note on [Proverbs 2:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/2/16) ; [Proverbs 5:3](../../../kjv/proverbs/5/3) .

**the wicked** = lawless ones. Hebrew. *rasha'.* App-44 . See notes on [Proverbs 14:32](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/32) .
**tabernacle** = a-tent, or dwelling. Hebrew. *'ohel.* App-40 . Put by Figure of speech *Metonymy* (of Adjunct), App-6 , for the dwellers therein.
**the upright** = upright ones (as in [Proverbs 14:9](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/9) ).

**seemeth right** = is pleasing. It only "seems" right, Illustrations: Jeroboam ([1 Kings 12:27-33](../../../kjv/1-kings/12/27-33) ; [1 Kings 14:7-11](../../../kjv/1-kings/14/7-11) . Compare [Proverbs 3:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/7) ); Josiah ([2 Chronicles 35:20-24](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/35/20-24) ); Jews ([Acts 13:50](../../../kjv/acts/13/50) ; [John 16:2](../../../kjv/john/16/2) . Compare Paul, [Philippians 1:3](../../../kjv/philippians/1/3) , [Philippians 1:4-7](../../../kjv/philippians/1/4-7) , and [1 Timothy 1:13](../../../kjv/1-timothy/1/13) ).
**are** = is.

**is:** i.e. may be. Illustrations: Nabal ([1 Samuel 25:36](../../../kjv/1-samuel/25/36) , [1 Samuel 25:37](../../../kjv/1-samuel/25/37) ); Solomon ([Ecclesiastes 2:2](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/2/2) ); Belshazzar ([Daniel 5:1-6](../../../kjv/daniel/5/1-6) , [Daniel 5:30](../../../kjv/daniel/5/30) ); Israelites ([Amos 6:3-7](../../../kjv/amos/6/3-7) ); Babylon ([Revelation 18:7](../../../kjv/revelation/18/7) , [Revelation 18:8](../../../kjv/revelation/18/8) ).

**filled** = satisfied.
**from himself.** Ginsburg thinks, "from his own doings. "Compare [Jeremiah 17:10](../../../kjv/jeremiah/17/10) .

**word:** or thing.

**evil.** Hebrew. *ra a'.* See App-44 .
**rageth** = rusheth on.
**confident.** Hebrew. *batah.* App-69 .

**wicked devices** = deep schemes or intrigues.

**the prudent** = prudent ones.

**The evil** = evil ones. Hebrew. *ra'a'.* App-44 .
**the righteous** = a righteous one.

**The poor** = A needy one. Hebrew. *rash.* See note on [Proverbs 6:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/6/11) .
**the rich** = a rich man.

**sinneth.** Hebrew. *chata*
**hath mercy on** = is gracious to.
**the poor** = an afflicted one. Hebrew. *'anah.* See note on [Proverbs 6:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/6/11) .
**happy.** See note on [Proverbs 3:13](../../../kjv/proverbs/3/13) .

**mercy** = lovingkindness, or grace.

**souls.** Hebrew. *nephesh.* App-13 .

**the fear of the LORD.** See note on [Proverbs 1:7](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/7) .
**strong confidence.** Illustrations: Abraham ([Genesis 22:3-10](../../../kjv/genesis/22/3-10) . [Hebrews 11:19](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/19) ); David ([1 Samuel 30:6](../../../kjv/1-samuel/30/6) ); Hezekiah ([2 Chronicles 32:7](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/32/7) , [2 Chronicles 32:8](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/32/8) , [2 Chronicles 32:22](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/32/22) ); Shadrach and others ([Daniel 3:17](../../../kjv/daniel/3/17) , [Daniel 3:25](../../../kjv/daniel/3/25) , [Daniel 3:27](../../../kjv/daniel/3/27) . [Isaiah 43:2](../../../kjv/isaiah/43/2) ); Habakkuk ([Habakkuk 3:17-19](../../../kjv/habakkuk/3/17-19) ); Peter ([Acts 12:6](../../../kjv/acts/12/6) . [Acts 3:24](../../../kjv/acts/3/24) ); Paul ([2 Timothy 4:6-8](../../../kjv/2-timothy/4/6-8) ).
**children** = sons.

**depart from** = avoid.

**understanding** = discernment. Hebrew. *tebunah.* See note on [Proverbs 1:2](../../../kjv/proverbs/1/2) .
**hasty of spirit.** Illustrations: Rehoboam ([1 Kings 12](../../../kjv/1-kings/12) . Compare [Proverbs 14:16](../../../kjv/proverbs/14/16) , above); Jehoram ([2 Kings 5:7](../../../kjv/2-kings/5/7) ); Martha ([Luke 10:40](../../../kjv/luke/10/40) ).
**spirit.** Hebrew. *ruach.* App-9 .

**the poor** = a weak one. Hebrew. *dal* . See note on [Proverbs 6:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/6/11) .
**his Maker.** An ancient title found in the book of Job ([Job 35:10](../../../kjv/job/35/10) ), also in [Proverbs 17:5](../../../kjv/proverbs/17/5) ; just as we speak of the "Creator". Used here because He is the Maker of the weak as well as the strong. We meet with it again in [Isaiah 17:7](../../../kjv/isaiah/17/7) ; [Isaiah 51:13](../../../kjv/isaiah/51/13) ; [Isaiah 54:5](../../../kjv/isaiah/54/5) . Not "confined to the later literature of Judaism".
**the poor** = a humble one. Hebrew. *'ebyon.* See note on [Proverbs 6:11](../../../kjv/proverbs/6/11) .

**The wicked** = A lawless one. Heb *rasha* .
**driven away in his wickedness** = thrust down
**in his evil-doing.** Illustrations: Dathan ([Numbers 16:33](../../../kjv/numbers/16/33) ); Israel ([Exodus 32:28](../../../kjv/exodus/32/28) . [1 Corinthians 10:7](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/7) ); Balaam ([Numbers 31:8](../../../kjv/numbers/31/8) , [Numbers 31:10](../../../kjv/numbers/31/10) . [Revelation 2:14](../../../kjv/revelation/2/14) ). Canaanites ([Joshua 2:9](../../../kjv/joshua/2/9) ; [Joshua 5:1](../../../kjv/joshua/5/1) ; [Joshua 5:10](../../../kjv/joshua/5/10) . [Deuteronomy 9:5](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/9/5) ); Hophni and Phinehas ([1 Samuel 4:11](../../../kjv/1-samuel/4/11) ); Baal's prophets ([1 Kings 18:40](../../../kjv/1-kings/18/40) ); Belshazzar ([Daniel 5:2-6](../../../kjv/daniel/5/2-6) , [Daniel 5:30](../../../kjv/daniel/5/30) ).
**wickedness** = lawlessness, as above.
**hath hope in his death.** Illustrations: Jacob ([Genesis 49:18](../../../kjv/genesis/49/18) ); Joseph ([Genesis 50:24](../../../kjv/genesis/50/24) , [Genesis 50:25](../../../kjv/genesis/50/25) .[Hebrews 11:22](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/22); [Hebrews 11:22](../../../kjv/hebrews/11/22) ); David ([2 Samuel 23:5](../../../kjv/2-samuel/23/5) .[Psalms 17:15](../../../kjv/psalms/17/15); [Psalms 17:15](../../../kjv/psalms/17/15) ); Stephen ([Acts 7:55](../../../kjv/acts/7/55) ); Paul ([2 Timothy 4:6-8](../../../kjv/2-timothy/4/6-8) ); Peter ([2 Peter 1:14](../../../kjv/2-peter/1/14) , [2 Peter 1:16](../../../kjv/2-peter/1/16) ; [2 Peter 3:13](../../../kjv/2-peter/3/13) ).

**But, &c.** The verb being feminine, may refer to "wisdom". If so we may render "and [even] in the midst of fools will make itself known".

**exalteth . . . But, &c.** Illustrations: [Deuteronomy 4:6](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/4/6) ; Deu 4:28 ; [1 Kings 9:7-9](../../../kjv/1-kings/9/7-9) ; [2 Chronicles 15:3](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/15/3) , 2Ch 15:5 , [2 Chronicles 15:6](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/15/6) ; compare [Joshua 1:8](../../../kjv/joshua/1/8) ; [Joshua 10:42](../../../kjv/joshua/10/42) ; [Joshua 23:14](../../../kjv/joshua/23/14) with [Judges 1:2](../../../kjv/judges/1/2) , &c.; compare [2 Chronicles 17:2-5](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/17/2-5) , [2 Chronicles 17:10](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/17/10) , [2 Chronicles 17:11](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/17/11) , and [2 Kings 18:7](../../../kjv/2-kings/18/7) with [2 Kings 16](../../../kjv/2-kings/16) . Compare the Canaanites ([Leviticus 18:24-30](../../../kjv/leviticus/18/24-30) ); Egypt ([Exodus 12:12](../../../kjv/exodus/12/12) .[Ezekiel 29:1-15](../../../kjv/ezekiel/29/1-15); [Ezekiel 29:1-15](../../../kjv/ezekiel/29/1-15) ); Amalekites ([Exodus 17:16](../../../kjv/exodus/17/16) . [1 Samuel 15](../../../kjv/1-samuel/15) ; Babylon ([Isaiah 14:4-23](../../../kjv/isaiah/14/4-23) .[Isaiah 47:6-15](../../../kjv/isaiah/47/6-15); [Isaiah 47:6-15](../../../kjv/isaiah/47/6-15) ); Moab ([Isaiah 16:6](../../../kjv/isaiah/16/6) , [Isaiah 16:7](../../../kjv/isaiah/16/7) ); Tyre ([Ezekiel 28:2-8](../../../kjv/ezekiel/28/2-8) . [Isaiah 23:1-9](../../../kjv/isaiah/23/1-9) ): Nineveh ([Zephaniah 2:11-15](../../../kjv/zephaniah/2/11-15) ).
**people** = peoples.

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