Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 14:19 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. "
Proverbs 14:19
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
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That is, first, the wicked are often brought so low that they have to beg. Their own sin reduces them to hardship. At the same time, good people are blessed by God, so they have enough to give, even to the evil. If God gives life, we should not refuse support to a person’s livelihood.
Second, God sometimes forces even bad people to admit the worth of his people. The evil should always bow before the good, and sometimes they are made to do so and to know that God has loved them (Rev. 3:9). They may seek the favor of God’s people (Est. 7:7) and ask for their prayers (2 Kings 3:12).
Third, a day is coming when the upright will rule (Psa. 49:14). Then the foolish virgins will come begging the wise for oil, and they will knock in vain at the Lord’s gate after the righteous have entered.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 14:1
"Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."
Proverbs 14:2
"He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him."
Proverbs 14:3
"The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them."
Proverbs 14:4
"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox."
Proverbs 14:5
"A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies."
Proverbs 14:6
"A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person."
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