Drink Devotional Method: The Way of the Upright (Proverbs 14)

Today, we turn to Proverbs chapter 14, where Solomon continues to contrast the path of wisdom with the path of folly. This chapter presents vivid pictures of daily life, emphasizing how righteousness builds, while sin destroys. As we read, may we gain understanding on how “the way of the upright” leads to life, strength, and honor.

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D – Devotional Reading

Proverbs 14 – King James Version (KJV) 1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. 9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. 10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. 23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. 26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. 29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. 33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

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R – Reflection

As I read through Proverbs 14, I find myself struck by the power of upright living. There is a weighty beauty in fearing the Lord and walking with integrity. Verse 2 declares, “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord.” That tells me that my reverence for God should be visible in how I live every day. I’m reminded that it’s not just about avoiding sin, but building my life in truth, mercy, and righteousness. The Lord desires hearts anchored in His wisdom—not just empty talk or religious appearances. Verse 12 warns that even if a path seems right to me, if it’s not aligned with God’s truth, it leads to death. That humbles me and draws me to seek His way, not my own.

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I – Instruction

The clear principle in Proverbs 14 is this: The way of the upright is established by the fear of the Lord and results in flourishing, while the way of the foolish leads to ruin. Over and over, this chapter teaches that wisdom builds, righteousness strengthens, and godly fear anchors a life. We are taught to avoid foolish companions (v.7), guard our words (v.3, v.23), care for the poor (v.21, v.31), and find confidence in the fear of the Lord (v.26).

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N – Now Live It

Today, I will walk in “the way of the upright” by choosing God’s path even when my feelings suggest another way. I will slow down, weigh my decisions in prayer, and measure them against Scripture. I will speak less and labor more. I will treat others with mercy and avoid foolish quarrels. I will build, not tear down. And I will remind myself that the fear of the Lord is my fountain of life.

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K – Kneel in Prayer

Father, thank You for showing me that true wisdom begins with fearing You. Help me walk uprightly in every area of my life—my words, my thoughts, my actions. Keep me from the path that seems right but leads to death. Lead me daily to live a life that pleases You, one that brings honor to Your name. May my heart find joy in righteousness, and may my life point others to the wisdom found in Christ alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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You may also read our Proverbs 13 Devotional.

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What is DRINK Devotional Method?

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with the scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (Preferably at least 1 chapter).
• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.
• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.
• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown.
• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you’re just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

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  #WisdomFromProverbs #UprightLiving #FearOfTheLord #RighteousPath #DrinkDevotionalMethod