Proverbs 14:14
New International Version
The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.

New Living Translation
Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.

English Standard Version
The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

Berean Standard Bible
The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.

King James Bible
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

New King James Version
The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.

New American Standard Bible
One with a wayward heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good person will be satisfied with his.

NASB 1995
The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his.

NASB 1977
The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his.

Legacy Standard Bible
The one who turns back in his heart will be satisfied with his ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his.

Amplified Bible
The backslider in heart will have his fill with his own [rotten] ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his ways [the godly thought and action which his heart pursues and in which he delights].

Christian Standard Bible
The disloyal one will get what his conduct deserves, and a good one, what his deeds deserve.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The disloyal one will get what his conduct deserves, and a good man, what his deeds deserve.

American Standard Version
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Contemporary English Version
You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad.

English Revised Version
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A heart that turns [from God] becomes bored with its own ways, but a good person is satisfied with God's ways.

Good News Translation
Bad people will get what they deserve. Good people will be rewarded for their deeds.

International Standard Version
The faithless one will pay for his behavior, but a good man will be rewarded for his.

Majority Standard Bible
The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.

NET Bible
The backslider will be paid back from his own ways, but a good person will be rewarded for his.

New Heart English Bible
The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.

Webster's Bible Translation
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

World English Bible
The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The backslider in heart is filled from his ways, "" And a good man—from his fruits.

Young's Literal Translation
From his ways is the backslider in heart filled, And a good man -- from his fruits.

Smith's Literal Translation
He drawing back the heart shall be filled from his ways: and a good man from above him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A fool shall be filled with his own ways, and the good man shall be above him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The foolish will be filled up by his own ways. And the good man shall be above him.

New American Bible
From their own ways turncoats are sated, from their own actions, the loyal.

New Revised Standard Version
The perverse get what their ways deserve, and the good, what their deeds deserve.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The insolent in heart shall be filled with the fruit of his ways; and a good man shall be satisfied with the respect he receives.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He who is rash in his heart will be filled with his ways, and a good man will be filled from the awe of his soul.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The dissembler in heart shall have his fill from his own ways; And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A stout-hearted man shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wise Woman
13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. 14The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. 15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Matthew 12:33-35
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. / You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.

Romans 2:6-8
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.

Psalm 81:11-12
But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. / So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.

2 Peter 2:20-22
If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. / It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. / Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”

Isaiah 3:10-11
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. / Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Hosea 4:9
And it shall be like people, like priest. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.

Romans 8:5-6
Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,

Ezekiel 18:24
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Psalm 28:3-5
Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. / Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve. / Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD or what His hands have done, He will tear them down and never rebuild them.

Philippians 3:18-19
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.


Treasury of Scripture

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

the backslider

Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Jeremiah 2:19
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 8:5
Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

filled

Proverbs 1:31
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Proverbs 12:14
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

Ezekiel 22:31
Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

a good

Proverbs 14:10
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

2 Corinthians 2:12
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

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Deeds Faithless Fill Filled Fruit Fruits Full Fully Good Heart Likewise Measure Perverse Repaid Reward Rewarded Satisfied Turned Unfaithful Ways
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Proverbs 14
1. A wise woman builds her house














The backslider in heart
This phrase refers to someone who has turned away from their previous commitment to God. In biblical context, a "backslider" is often someone who has known the truth but has chosen to deviate from it. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Jeremiah 3:22 calls for backsliders to return, highlighting God's willingness to forgive. The concept of backsliding is also seen in the Israelites' repeated turning away from God throughout the Old Testament.

receives the fill of his own ways
This suggests that a person who turns away from God will experience the consequences of their actions. The "fill" implies a complete measure, indicating that the backslider will fully experience the results of their choices. Galatians 6:7-8 supports this idea, stating that a person reaps what they sow. The historical context of Israel shows that when they turned from God, they often faced oppression and hardship as a result.

but a good man
A "good man" in biblical terms is someone who seeks to live righteously and in accordance with God's commandments. This is not merely about outward actions but reflects an inward commitment to God. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently contrast the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing the blessings that come to those who follow God's ways. Jesus, in the New Testament, is the ultimate example of a "good man," fulfilling the law and living a life of perfect obedience.

is rewarded for his ways
This phrase indicates that a person who lives righteously will receive blessings and rewards. In the Old Testament, this often meant tangible blessings such as prosperity and peace. However, the New Testament expands this understanding to include spiritual blessings and eternal life. Matthew 5:12 speaks of rewards in heaven for those who are persecuted for righteousness. The concept of divine reward is a recurring theme, encouraging believers to remain faithful despite challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Backslider in Heart
This refers to an individual who has turned away from God internally, even if outwardly they may appear righteous. The term "backslider" comes from the Hebrew word (sug), meaning to turn away or retreat.

2. Good Man
This is a person who seeks to live righteously and in accordance with God's will. The Hebrew word for "good" is (tov), which implies moral goodness and favor.

3. Fruit of His Own Ways
This phrase indicates the consequences or results of one's actions. In Hebrew, "fruit" is (peri), symbolizing the outcomes or rewards of one's behavior.

4. Rewarded for His Ways
This refers to the positive outcomes or blessings that come from living a life aligned with God's principles.
Teaching Points
The Condition of the Heart Matters
Our internal state is crucial. A backslider in heart may not show outward signs immediately, but their internal rebellion will eventually manifest in their actions and consequences.

Consequences of Our Choices
Just as a backslider will face the results of their ways, a good man will be rewarded. This highlights the importance of making choices that align with God's will.

God's Justice and Fairness
God is just and fair, rewarding each person according to their deeds. This should encourage us to live righteously, knowing that God sees and rewards our efforts.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart and motives. Are you truly aligned with God's will, or are you drifting away internally?

Encouragement to Persevere in Goodness
Even when it seems like the wicked prosper, remember that God sees and will reward the good man in due time.(14) The backslider in heart--i.e., who turns away from God. (Psalm 44:19.)

Shall be filled with his own ways.--(Comp. Proverbs 1:31, and Matthew 6:2, &c: "They have their reward.") They get to the full what they look for, though it is but swine's husks, instead of food fit for God's children.

A good man.--See above on Proverbs 13:22.

Shall be satisfied from himself.--His own work. (Comp. Isaiah 3:10.) . . .

Verse 14. - The backslider in heart - he who turns away from God (Psalm 44:18) - shall be filled with his own ways, shall reap the fruits of his evil doings (Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 12:14). Matthew 6:2, "Verily I say unto you, they have their reward." And a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There is no verb expressed in this clause, "shall be satisfied" being supplied by our translators. Delitzsch and others read, "and a good man from his own deeds." It is simpler to repeat the verb from the former clause: "A good man shall be filled with that which belongs to him;" i.e. the holy thoughts and righteous actions in which he delights. Isaiah 3:10, "Say ye of the righteous that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." The Vulgate, neglecting the prefix, translates, "And over him shall be the good man;" Septuagint, "And a good man from his thoughts," the produce of his heart and mind.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The backslider
ס֣וּג (sūḡ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5472: To move away, backslide

in heart
לֵ֑ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

will have the fill
יִ֭שְׂבַּע (yiś·ba‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7646: To be sated, satisfied or surfeited

of his own ways,
מִדְּרָכָ֣יו (mid·də·rā·ḵāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

but a good
טֽוֹב׃ (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

man
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

[will be rewarded] for his.
וּ֝מֵעָלָ֗יו (ū·mê·‘ā·lāw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his (Prov. Pro Pr)
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