Proverbs 14:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

NIV: The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.

NASB: The naive believes everything, But the sensible person considers his steps.

CSB: The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps.

NLT: Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

KJV: The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

NKJV: The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.

Critics who claim the Bible promotes "blind faith" prove only that they've never bothered to read it. This is one of many teachings in Scripture about the need for cautious, reasonable skepticism (Proverbs 14:18; Acts 17:11; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 4:1). Proverbs 14:15 contrasts the foolishness of gullibility with the wisdom of thoughtfulness (Matthew 10:16). This is a slightly different emphasis than the following verses (Proverbs 14:16–17) which warn against being too quick to judge or act.

The members of the Galatian churches were gullible. Instead of clinging to the gospel Paul had delivered to them, they believed what false teachers told them. The false teachers preached a false gospel that required circumcision and conforming to the law of Moses for salvation. Paul called the Galatians foolish and bewitched because they had begun in the Spirit but had succumbed to the belief that the works of the law were necessary for salvation (Galatians 3:1–3). He urges them in Galatians 1:8–9 to consider accursed every teacher that preaches a false gospel. Today, as in Paul's day, it is wise to weigh carefully what we see and hear before accepting a teaching. The Scriptures are our only perfectly reliable guide for our path through life (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:15–17).

Proverbs 14:15–35 continues Solomon's wise sayings, once again mostly contrasting the wicked and the upright. He points out that those who do evil, by rejecting God's wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) are foolish and have no security. Those who do God's will (Proverbs 3:5) are wise and have unfailing security.

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.