Proverbs 27:12 - 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; 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; The simple pass on and are punished.

It is wise to try to avoid undue risks. However, the simple-minded person walks headlong into danger. The book of Proverbs defines "wisdom" as a proper understanding of God and His will (Proverbs 1:7; 2:6–7). Part of being "prudent," or "sensible," is to notice risks and take appropriate steps. Those who lack the intelligence—or the self-control—to notice danger more often suffer the consequences of bad decisions (Proverbs 6:5; 13:14; 22:5). This lesson applies both to physical and spiritual threats.

The Devil sets dangerous traps and tries to lure believers into them. An unwise person is prone to walk right into such an ambush. A wise believer heeds the apostle Peter's exhortation: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Peter 5:8–9). In Ephesians 6:11 the apostle Paul refers to the schemes of the Devil. He counsels believers to "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:13). Although Jesus warned Peter that the Devil planned to aggressively tempt him (Luke 22:31–32), Peter exuded self-confidence. He denied he would ever forsake Jesus (Luke 22:33). Before long, however, Peter fell into the Devil's trap and denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:60–62). It is wise to see danger approaching and avoid it.

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

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.