Proverbs 14:1-16
"The wise woman" is linked with her home (v. 1). In our own day when the married woman often seeks to play a role in every sphere of activity except that of her own home, it is timely to emphasize this Biblical teaching (Titus 2:5). Does it not need all the divine wisdom for the Christian education of children? Even the daily household tasks, which seem to some people too humble and monotonous, have a great value for the Lord.
Several verses define that which God calls folly. He does not look at it from the same point of view as the world (1 Corinthians 1:19-20). One of the characteristics of the fool is that he makes a mock at sin (v. 9). This really is the same as despising the cross which was necessary for the taking away of sin; there is no greater insult to God than this.
V. 13 contrasts the joy of the unbeliever with that of the believer (Proverbs 13:9). The Christian’s hope maintains joy in his heart, even when he is going through sorrow. He can be at the same time both sorrowful yet always rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10). However, the opposite is true for the world: "even in laughter the heart is sorrowful" (v. 13). It is a poor and sinister joy which serves for a brief moment to blind mankind to the prospect of the terrible judgment to come.