Short answer
– The most likely human author of Proverbs 14:22, from a traditional evangelical perspective, is King Solomon. Evangelicals typically see Solomon as the principal human author of most of the material in Proverbs, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Why Solomon is considered the likely author
– The book of Proverbs is explicitly introduced in Proverbs 1:1 as “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel.”
– Chapters 10–22 are headed “The Proverbs of Solomon” (beginning at 10:1), and 14:22 falls inside that main Solomonic collection.
– 1 Kings 4:29–34 and 1 Kings 5:12 attribute great wisdom and many proverbs and songs to Solomon (the traditional source for the book’s core).
– Evangelicals typically combine these internal claims with the doctrine of Scripture’s inspiration: human authors (here Solomon) wrote under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so the sayings are both historically anchored and theologically trustworthy.
A brief background on Solomon (evangelical summary)
– Son of David; reigned roughly 970–931 BC. Known for wisdom given by God (1 Kings 3:5–14), great wealth, and extensive building projects (including the Temple).
– Biblical tradition ascribes many proverbs and songs to him (1 Kings 4:32).
– Later in life he sinned by allowing/participating in idolatry (1 Kings 11), which evangelicals note as part of the larger biblical portrait—Solomon was a God-gifted wise ruler but not beyond moral failure.
– Many evangelicals hold that Solomon wrote or collected large portions of Proverbs even if later editors or compilers (e.g., “the men of Hezekiah” mentioned in Proverbs 25:1) arranged or added material.
About Proverbs as a book
– Proverbs is wisdom literature: short, general truths about life, fear of the Lord, moral conduct, relationships, and practical living. Its sayings are meant as general guidance rather than ironclad promises that apply in every situation.
– Evangelicals affirm that Proverbs is inspired Scripture and applicable for Christian living, but they also read it with genre awareness: proverbs teach principles, not guaranteed formulas.
Reading and interpreting Proverbs 14:22
– Typical English renderings (NIV): “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
– The verse contrasts intent and outcome: plots of evil lead to ruin or misdirection; plans that pursue good are associated with finding favor, loyal love, and faithfulness.
– Evangelical application: believers are urged to cultivate godly motives and plans, avoid scheming harm, and pursue righteousness and love—trusting that God honors faithful, loving actions even though wisdom sayings are not simplistic promises of immediate reward.
Notes on authorship nuance
– Conservative evangelical scholarship usually accepts Solomon as the primary author of the core material while acknowledging that Proverbs is a composite work compiled over time. Chapters like Proverbs 30 (Agur) and 31 (Lemuel) are explicitly from other speakers, and some later editors may have preserved and organized earlier collections.
– Even where human authorship is composite or editorial, evangelicals maintain the unity and authority of the book as Scripture because of divine inspiration.
For further evangelical study
– Commentaries and resources that evangelical readers often consult: NIV Application Commentary (Tremper Longman III on Proverbs), The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Derek Kidner’s Proverbs commentary, Matthew Henry’s exposition, and John MacArthur’s study notes. These give a mix of historical background, word-level notes, and practical application from an evangelical standpoint.
If you’d like, I can:
– Give a short verse-by-verse commentary on Proverbs 14:22;
– Compare a few English translations and the range of meanings;
– Provide cross-references and sermon/application ideas from an evangelical perspective.
