Proverbs 14:14 kjv

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

Proverbs 14:14 nkjv

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

Proverbs 14:14 niv

The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.

Proverbs 14:14 esv

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.

Proverbs 14:14 nlt

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

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 14 Meaning

Proverbs 14:14 presents a stark contrast between two types of individuals: the backslider in heart and the good man. The verse proclaims that the backslider, whose inner disposition and inclinations deviate from God's ways, will inevitably experience the full consequences of their self-chosen paths, leading to a bitter fulfillment. Conversely, the righteous or good man will find deep satisfaction and contentment stemming from his upright character, integrity, and faithful walk with God, a satisfaction that is intrinsically derived and not dependent on external circumstances.

Proverbs 14 14 Context

Proverbs 14, like much of the book, employs antithetical parallelism to starkly contrast wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and the resulting divergent paths and destinies. Verse 14 stands as a direct consequence-oriented proverb, showing the intrinsic outcomes of an individual's inward moral state. It immediately follows Proverb 14:12 ("There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death"), which profoundly underscores the theme of human-chosen "ways" and their ultimate destinations. The chapter then continues to elaborate on various manifestations of wisdom and foolishness in practical life, consistently pointing to the internal character (the heart) as the root of outward actions and their subsequent returns. Historically, the book of Proverbs taught practical and spiritual wisdom within the covenant community of Israel, emphasizing that living according to God's established moral order brought blessing and wholeness, while deviation led to ruin.

Proverbs 14 14 Word analysis

• The backslider: This translates the Hebrew sug (סוּג, Strong's H5474), which means "to turn aside," "to deviate," "to draw back," or "to slide back." It implies someone who has departed from a right path, either actively turning away or passively drifting. It suggests a course of declining spiritual and moral commitment.

• in heart: The Hebrew lēḇ (לֵב, Strong's H3824) refers to the totality of the inner being – the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and conscience. It indicates that the backsliding is not merely external or superficial actions, but a deeply rooted inclination, a fundamental choice and disposition of the inner person. It is where true spiritual health or decay originates.

• shall be filled: The Hebrew verb is sâḇēa‘ (שָׂבֵעַ, Strong's H7646), meaning "to be full," "to be satisfied," "to be satiated," or even "to be glutted." In the context of the backslider, this "filling" is not positive contentment but implies an overabundance or saturation with the consequences of their actions, often to their detriment. It's a natural, inevitable reaping of what was sown, experiencing the bitterness of their own chosen path to its full measure.

• with his own ways: The Hebrew darko (דַּרְכּוֹ), from derekh (דֶּרֶךְ, Strong's H1870), refers to one's path, course of life, behavior, or conduct. This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and self-determination. The backslider gets what he chose; his downfall is not arbitrary but a direct result of his personal moral choices and lifestyle.

• and a good man: The Hebrew ’ish ṭôḇ (אִישׁ טוֹב), literally "a man of good," denotes someone who is morally upright, righteous, benevolent, and adheres to God's standards of goodness. His character aligns with divine wisdom and principles.

• shall be satisfied: Again, sâḇēa‘ (שָׂבֵעַ, Strong's H7646). Here, in contrast to the backslider, it denotes genuine contentment, deep fulfillment, and spiritual well-being. This satisfaction is positive and holistic, indicating inner peace and completeness.

• from himself: The Hebrew mimmennû (מִמֶּנּוּ), literally "from him" or "from within him." This does not suggest self-reliance or pride, but rather that the source of the good man's satisfaction is intrinsic, derived from his inner character, his righteous deeds, his good conscience, and most importantly, the blessings and peace that God bestows within those who walk uprightly. It means his contentment isn't contingent on external circumstances or achievements but flows from his godly walk and internal state.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "The backslider in heart": This phrase highlights that genuine deviation from God's path begins in the inner being, not merely through outward actions. It points to a deep, intentional disinclination of the will towards divine truth, making the spiritual decline rooted and profound.
  • "shall be filled with his own ways": This vividly portrays the principle of poetic justice and inevitable consequence. It signifies that the bitter fruits of self-chosen folly will be fully realized and consumed by the one who sows them. There is no escaping the harvest of one's inner choices.
  • "a good man shall be satisfied from himself": This stresses an intrinsic, divinely-implanted, and sustained contentment that the righteous experience. It speaks to a deep peace and sufficiency that comes from living in alignment with God's will, where integrity and character provide an unshakeable foundation for true joy and spiritual nourishment, independent of material gains or fleeting external pleasures.

Proverbs 14 14 Bonus Section

This proverb underscores the profound biblical emphasis on the heart as the ultimate wellspring of life's direction and outcomes (Prov 4:23). It implies that true backsliding is not merely an action, but a state of being—a deviation of the innermost self. The wisdom tradition consistently teaches that inner choices bear outer consequences. Furthermore, the satisfaction of the good man is not a self-congratulatory pride, but an inward shalom (peace, wholeness) that arises when a person's life is integrated with divine truth, reflecting God's nature. This peace is a gift from God, made available within the righteous man, ensuring he is not perpetually seeking external validation or fulfillment, but finds it rooted in his relationship with the Creator and the purity of his walk.

Proverbs 14 14 Commentary

Proverbs 14:14 powerfully illustrates the intrinsic reward and retribution found in God's moral order. The backslider, whose deviation is rooted in the "heart," a phrase emphasizing inner disposition, will experience the inevitable "filling" of his chosen ungodly paths—a consequence often leading to bitter saturation rather than fulfillment. This is a direct outworking of sowing and reaping; the nature of one's actions and intentions determines the character of one's outcome. In stark contrast, the "good man" is portrayed as receiving deep satisfaction not from external successes or accolades, but "from himself." This points to the profound inner peace, clear conscience, and enduring contentment that are inherent by-products of a life lived in righteousness and faithfulness to God. His satisfaction springs from integrity and walking with God, providing a spiritual wellspring that is self-sustaining and not subject to the fleeting nature of worldly provisions. For example, while one man chases worldly gain, accumulating riches yet finding no peace, another may live modestly, yet possess an overflowing peace and contentment in his soul due to his uprightness.