Proverbs 14:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

NIV: The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

NASB: The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

CSB: The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

NLT: Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

KJV: The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

NKJV: The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Contrary to the claims of ignorant skeptics, the Bible does not promote "blind faith." This is one of many statements in Scripture warning against being naïve or credulous (Proverbs 14:12, 15; Matthew 10:16; 1 John 4:1). The term translated "simple" here is from the root pathiy, meaning someone too easily convinced or unreasonably trusting. The book of Proverbs denounces this flaw many times when encouraging the reader to follow true wisdom (Proverbs 1:4, 22; 7:7; 8:5; 22:3).

Not every claim made by other people is true, or worth following. The gullible person accepts lies too easily. This approach gains them nothing but "folly." That flaw is translated from a word implying more than mere stupidity or error. The root word 'ivveleth implies a wrong choice that leads one away from God and invites disaster (Proverbs 5:23; 13:16; 16:22; 19:3; 22:15).

The gullible person ignores or rejects God's Word, so he goes through life aimlessly, making one mistake after another. His mind is occupied with trivialities, and he fails to understand the highest purpose of life: to glorify God and to enjoy Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The prudent person is shrewd in a good sense (Matthew 10:16). He accepts God's Word as his guide, and therefore adds knowledge as he meets life's challenges (Proverbs 1:7).

A person does not gain full knowledge when he becomes a believer, but he learns to depend upon God's Word and the Holy Spirit for daily guidance and direction for the future (1 Corinthians 2:14). He grows in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). To the prudent person, knowledge is like a crown; it enables him to trust God instead of his sinful impulses, and he reigns over temptations and trials. The prudent person is a victor over difficult circumstance instead of a victim of those circumstances.

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.