Proverbs 22:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

NIV: The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

NASB: A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.

CSB: A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

NLT: A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

KJV: A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

NKJV: A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.

The word translated "prudent" is sometimes rendered as "shrewd," though that often carries negative associations in modern English. The main idea is someone with good sense: a person who thinks on things and makes a beneficial choice. The word translated "simple" does not mean a person who is unintelligent, rather it means unaware or inexperienced (Proverbs 1:4; 19:25). In some cases, it can refer to someone who is gullible or easily fooled (Proverbs 9:4; 14:15). The shrewd person sees danger coming and avoids it; the ignorant person walks right into trouble.

Solomon doesn't identify a specific danger here, but he may have in mind the kind of trap enemies set to catch unsuspecting victims. Wise believers today should be aware of traps the Devil sets, and they avoid them. Peter warns believers to be "sober-minded" and "watchful" for the adversary the Devil "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus was aware of the Devil's strategy and repelled him by quoting and obeying Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11).

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

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.

Accessed 5/18/2024 9:35:36 PM