Proverbs 14:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.

NIV: The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

NASB: The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit.

CSB: The sensible person’s wisdom is to consider his way, but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

NLT: The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

KJV: The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

NKJV: The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.

The Hebrew term for "prudent" here is also translated as "shrewd," which is not an inherently negative trait. Those who are "shrewd" are sensible, aware, and purposeful in their thinking (Proverbs 12:16, 23; 13:16). Jesus advocated a benevolent kind of shrewdness when He commissioned a group of missionaries (Matthew 10:16). The "prudent" person is not rash in his decisions. He thinks things through carefully before deciding. He wants to go where God leads him.

This trait was exhibited by Abraham's servant, who was on a mission to find a bride for Isaac. He carefully asked the Lord to direct him to the right young lady. He prayed: "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham" (Genesis 24:12). When the servant found Rebekah, he "bowed his head and worshiped the LORD and said, 'Blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master's kinsman" (Genesis 24:26–27).

However, unlike Abraham's wise servant, fools—those who ignore godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)—rush into situations. It doesn't occur to them that they might be wrong. Ultimately, though, they discover that their folly has tripped them up.

Proverbs 14:1–10 continues a long series of short, general-case, common-sense statements of godly wisdom. This section focuses on personal diligence, relationship to the Lord, conversation, witness, prudent behavior, and private emotions. Once again, the spotlight focuses on what is admirable versus that which is disgraceful.

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.