Scripture Reading:

Proverbs 14:5

Proverbs 14:5

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 

It is important that we assess the character of the people with whom we work and associate. Although judging others is considered the ultimate “sin” by those who fancy themselves as open-minded, such judgments are duplicitous and wicked. Everybody makes judgments all the time, but we are called to make wise and righteous judgments. Our Lord Jesus only cautions us not to judge by a standard we would not hold to ourselves (Matt. 7:1).

Concerning all relationships between persons in this world, whether with parents, in-laws, employers, contractors, teachers, customers, or members of churches and community groups, one thing is needful.

We cannot interact, fellowship, or trade with these folks without some measure of trust. That trust comes out of our perceptions of others, based upon our own previous experiences with them and the reports of other people whom we know and count trustworthy. In all relationships we need to be trustworthy ourselves, and we need the ability to assess the trustworthiness of others.

This proverb presents the simple honest measure to use as we determine the trustworthiness of ourselves and of others. A dependable, trustworthy witness will not lie. They will refrain from exaggerating the negative, or minimizing the positive in the assessment of others (when they give their reports or referrals).

For related commentary, reference Proverbs 6:19 and Proverbs 12:17. 

Proverbs 14:6

A scorner seeks wisdom, and finds it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understands. 

It should go without saying that endemic stupidity will not yield success in life. But just because a person recognizes the importance of wisdom doesn’t mean he’s going to find it. The scorner will never find true wisdom, because he has a fundamentally defective heart. He is too proud to accept correction in his basic perspectives concerning himself, sin, righteousness, and the God to whom he is morally accountable.

If this is God’s world and all truth is God’s truth, then true knowledge is always inescapably revelational of God. How then do we explain the “wise” fools who embark on the quest for knowledge in their universities and research centers? Whether they are scientists, artists, great writers, or philosophers, they will all blaze a trail through the dense forest of reality, seeking true wisdom. When they make it to a clearing, they look up, and to their horror, they come face to face with the truth of God. Quickly they return to the forest to blaze another path by study, research, and artistic work, only to come to yet another clearing which points them back to God. This pattern continues until they, like Ernest Hemingway, put an end to the charade by committing suicide.

In a true sense, these “wise” men never arrive at wisdom. Meanwhile, the man whose mind is renewed by the Spirit of God basks in the true knowledge of God in His Word in the open clearing of the forest. The Word of knowledge is highly accessible to hearts and ears opened to receive.

Proverbs 14:7

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge. 

The fool is defined in Scripture for us as the man who “says in his heart there is no God.”(Ps. 14:1). Unfortunately, many of these fools teach in schools and universities around the world. These men and women do not recognize the living God, they do not consider Him relevant to science or history, and they certainly do not fear Him. What, therefore, must a wise person do in relation to these fools? The passage provides a succinct answer. Get away from him! Do not submit to his teachings, his worldview, or his lifestyle.

Family Discussion Questions:

1. How can you discern whether a person is trustworthy and faithful—a true friend upon whom you could really rely?

2. Would it matter if you were to learn physics from a man who didn’t fear the living God? What about literature? Or auto mechanics? At what point might you want to separate yourself from a mentor who does not fear God?