Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:14, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
American Standard Version
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man [shall be satisfied] from himself.
World English Bible version
The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
Proverbs 14:14 Meaning & Commentary
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 (ESV)
We regularly see a principle throughout The Bible – the principle of sowing and reaping. The truth is that although God has a specific plan and purpose for our lives, our lives are, to a large degree, what we choose. We know that God has prepared a way for us and desires us to walk in His plan and purpose:
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. However, the principle of sowing and reaping is always at work in our lives: Galatians 6:7 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. So, although God has a specific plan and purpose for us, we can either choose to follow His plan and purpose for our lives, or we can choose not to – we have been given free will to choose our ways.
This is what Proverbs 14:14 teaches us about. We have been given free will to do whatever we choose, but those choices have consequences and will bear certain “fruit” in our lives. We can choose our ways – the two examples given in Proverbs 14:14 is to be a “good man” or a “backslider in heart.” However, The Bible makes it clear that there will be the resulting “fruit” of our choices.
So, in other words – if we were to paraphrase this verse, we could say, “We are free to choose whatever path we want to in life, but whatever choices we make, there will either be bad consequences or good results from our choices.” Paul the Apostle understood this concept very well: 1 Corinthians 10:23 – “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:14 to our lives?
When we live with the conscious knowledge of the principle of sowing and reaping, we position ourselves to make better choices. This principle is something that we need to actively remind ourselves of. Even Paul the Apostle repeatedly reminded the Church of some things: Philippians 3:1 – Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
We should also regularly consider our ways, the path we are on, and the seeds we are sowing in our lives: Proverbs 14:8 – The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. When we know and understand that our good or bad choices have consequences or results, we can choose to sow the right kind of seeds. An example of good sowing is to seek God: Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
An example of sowing bad seeds is practicing a lifestyle of sin: Galatians 6:8 – For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. As we spend more time in God’s Word, we will understand on a deeper level how to “sow to The Spirit” instead of “sowing to the flesh.” Then, as we grow in this knowledge, we need to apply these principles to our lives practically. We have The Holy Spirit inside of us, helping us to walk in a way that pleases God.
As we continue to sow to the Spirit, we will grow in the fruit of The Spirit in our lives: Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me about the principle of sowing and reaping. I pray for wisdom today and ask that you help me discern the path I am on.
I pray for a greater understanding of Your Word, and I ask that you help me live in a way that pleases You in all things. I ask this in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
