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Proverbs 14:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Winkie Pratney
Zac Poonen
A.W. Tozer
Clement of Rome
J.C. Philpot
J. Vyrnwy MorganSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
15 The simple believeth every word; But the prudent takes heed to his step. We do not translate, "every thing," for "word" and faith are correlates, Psa 106:24, and פּתי is the non-self-dependent who lets himself be easily persuaded by the talk of another: he believes every word without proving it, whether it is well-meant, whether it is true, whether it is salutary and useful, so that he is thus, without having any firm principle, and without any judgment of his own, driven about hither and thither; the prudent, on the other hand, considers and marks his step, that he may not take a false step or go astray, he proves his way (8a), he takes no step without thought and consideration (בּין or הבין with ל, to consider or reflect upon anything, Psa 73:17, cf. Psa 33:15) - he makes sure steps with his feet (Heb 12:13), without permitting himself to waver and sway by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The simple . . . word--He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Pro 13:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The simple believeth every word,.... Every thing that is said to him every story that is told him, and every promise that is made him; and so is easily imposed upon, and drawn in to his hurt: every word of God, or doctrine of his, ought to be believed; because whatever he says is true, he cannot lie; every word of his is pure, free from all error and falsehood; it is a tried word, and found to bear a faithful testimony, and, if we receive the witness of then, the witness of God is greater; besides, his word is profitable for instruction, and for the increase of peace, joy, and comfort, and is effectual to saving purposes: every word of Christ is to be believed, who is a teacher sent from God; whose mission is confirmed by miracles, and whose doctrine is not his own as man, but his Father's; he is the faithful witness, and truth itself; his words are more than human, and besides are pleasant and wholesome: and every word and doctrine of his apostles, who received their mission commission, and doctrines from him, is also to be believed; but every spirit, or everyone that pretends to be a spiritual man, and to have spiritual gifts, is not to be believed; but the words and doctrines of ordinary men and ministers are to be first tried by the unerring rule of the sacred Scriptures; yea, the doctrines of the apostles were examined by them; see Jo1 4:1; they are "simple", weak, silly, foolish persons, that believe all they hear, whether right or wrong, true or false, good or hurtful; they are children in knowledge, who are tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, and are deceived with good words and fair speeches, Eph 4:14, Rom 16:18. This truly describes the followers of the man of sin; who give heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; who believe as the church believes; that believe with an implicit faith; believe every word and doctrine the pope and councils say they should, though ever so absurd; as, for instance, the doctrine of transubstantiation: these are "simple" or fools with a witness, who give up their understandings, and even their senses unto, and pin their faith upon, another; but the prudent man looketh well to his going; or "its going" (o); to the course and tendency of the word he hears, or the doctrine which is proposed to his faith; he considers well whether it is agreeable or is contrary to the perfections of God; whether it derogates from the glory of any of the divine Persons; whether it makes for the magnifying the riches of God's grace, and for the debasing of men; or for the depreciating of the one, and setting up of the other; and whether it is a doctrine according to godliness, or not, that tends to promote holiness of heart and life, or to indulge a loose conversation; and according to these criteria he judges and determines whether he shall believe it or not. Or, "to his going"; that is, to the going of the deceiver and impostor; he observes narrowly the methods he takes, the artifices he makes use of, the cunning sleight by which he lies in wait to deceive; how craftily he walks, and handles the word of God deceitfully; and he takes notice of his moral walk and conversation, and, as our Lord says, "ye shall know them by their fruits", Mat 7:16. Or else the meaning is, and which seems to be the sense of our version, that he looks well unto, and carefully observes, his own goings; he takes heed to his ways, that they are right; that he is not in ways of his devising and choosing, but in God's ways; in the way of life and salvation by Christ; in the path of faith on him, and in the way of holiness; that he has chosen the way of truth, and walks in that; and that every step he takes in doctrine is according to the word of truth; and that whatever he does in worship is agreeably to the divine rule; and that every path of duty he treads in is according to the same, and as he has Christ for a pattern, and the Spirit for a guide; and that his walk is as becomes the Gospel, worthy of the calling wherein he is called, and that it is circumspect and wise; and such a man may be truly said to be a "prudent" man: the Targum is, "he attends to his good;'' and so he does. (o) "gressum illius, sc. sermonis", Baynus, so some in Mercerus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. It is folly to be credulous, to heed every flying report, to give ear to every man's story, though ever so improbable, to take things upon trust from common fame, to depend upon every man's profession of friendship and give credit to every one that will promise payment; those are simple who thus believe every word, forgetting that all men, in some sense, are liars in comparison with God, all whose words we are to believe with an implicit faith, for he cannot lie. 2. It is wisdom to be cautious: The prudent man will try before he trusts, will weigh both the credibility of the witness and the probability of the testimony, and then give judgment as the thing appears or suspend his judgment till it appears. Prove all things, and believe not every spirit.
Proverbs 14:15
The Wise Woman
14The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. 15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
- Scripture
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- Commentary
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1
By Winkie Pratney1.6K54:51PRO 14:15PRO 18:17ISA 41:21MAT 10:16JHN 5:31ACT 17:22ACT 19:8ROM 1:181PE 3:15JUD 1:3
This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith in Christ, providing sufficient evidence for an intelligent commitment. The sermon highlights the importance of contending earnestly for the faith, clarifying the truth, and confronting opposing positions with a spirit of reason and conviction.
(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:01:13PRO 10:4PRO 12:22PRO 13:14PRO 14:15PRO 17:28ROM 8:28REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to a fountain of life that helps us avoid the snares of debt. The preacher encourages believers to control their tongues and speak words that are like a spring of fresh water, bringing life to others. He also emphasizes the need for diligence and hard work, both in our spiritual lives and in making disciples. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be trustworthy messengers of peace and to embrace discipline and criticism for growth.
Faith and Fiction
By A.W. Tozer0Discernment in BeliefFaith vs. CredulityPRO 14:15MAT 7:15ROM 10:17EPH 4:14COL 2:81TH 5:212TI 2:15HEB 11:1JAS 1:51JN 4:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between faith and credulity, illustrating that while they may appear similar, their effects are fundamentally different. True faith is characterized by a deep trust in God's promises, even in the face of doubt, while credulity reflects a lack of discernment and a tendency to accept unverified claims without question. Tozer warns that an uncritical acceptance of fantastical stories can lead to the spread of false teachings within the church, highlighting the importance of spiritual insight and mental clarity in matters of faith.
Homily 6
By Clement of Rome0PRO 14:15ISA 5:201CO 10:112CO 11:13EPH 5:6COL 2:81TI 4:12PE 2:11JN 4:1Clement meets Appion in Tyre, where Appion begins to discuss the false accusations he made against the gods, claiming they were allegorical and not to be taken literally. Appion proceeds to interpret various myths, explaining the origin of chaos, Kronos and Rhea, Phanes, and other mythological figures as symbolic representations of natural elements and processes. Clement, having heard similar allegorical interpretations before, summarizes Appion's explanations and questions the wisdom of those who created such stories, suggesting they were wicked magicians rather than gods. Peter arrives from Cæsarea, and the people of Tyre gather to welcome him, while Appion withdraws with his companions.
Religious News
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 32:22PRO 14:151TH 2:51TH 5:211JN 4:1J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual edification rather than being consumed by the gossip and news-mongering prevalent in the religious world. He cautions against blindly accepting the reports of church events and movements, highlighting the need to discern whether the Spirit of God truly rests upon them. Philpot challenges the practice of lavishing flatteries on ministers and questions the authenticity and fruitfulness of such deceptive practices, urging for a return to truth and sincerity in religious publications.
Introduction
By J. Vyrnwy Morgan0PRO 14:15MAT 7:15ACT 17:111CO 2:142CO 13:5EPH 5:101TH 5:21HEB 5:141JN 4:11JN 4:6J. Vyrnwy Morgan delves into the history and impact of revivals, emphasizing the need for discernment in evaluating their authenticity and lasting effects. He explores the various types of revivals in Wales, highlighting key figures and their contributions to spiritual awakenings. The sermon touches on the evolution of theological views, from puritanic legalism to a focus on character and conduct, and the shift in emphasis from fear-based inducements to repentance to a deeper understanding of righteousness and retribution. Through historical accounts and reflections, the sermon challenges traditional perceptions and encourages a more critical examination of religious experiences.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
15 The simple believeth every word; But the prudent takes heed to his step. We do not translate, "every thing," for "word" and faith are correlates, Psa 106:24, and פּתי is the non-self-dependent who lets himself be easily persuaded by the talk of another: he believes every word without proving it, whether it is well-meant, whether it is true, whether it is salutary and useful, so that he is thus, without having any firm principle, and without any judgment of his own, driven about hither and thither; the prudent, on the other hand, considers and marks his step, that he may not take a false step or go astray, he proves his way (8a), he takes no step without thought and consideration (בּין or הבין with ל, to consider or reflect upon anything, Psa 73:17, cf. Psa 33:15) - he makes sure steps with his feet (Heb 12:13), without permitting himself to waver and sway by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The simple . . . word--He is credulous, not from love, but heedlessness (Pro 13:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The simple believeth every word,.... Every thing that is said to him every story that is told him, and every promise that is made him; and so is easily imposed upon, and drawn in to his hurt: every word of God, or doctrine of his, ought to be believed; because whatever he says is true, he cannot lie; every word of his is pure, free from all error and falsehood; it is a tried word, and found to bear a faithful testimony, and, if we receive the witness of then, the witness of God is greater; besides, his word is profitable for instruction, and for the increase of peace, joy, and comfort, and is effectual to saving purposes: every word of Christ is to be believed, who is a teacher sent from God; whose mission is confirmed by miracles, and whose doctrine is not his own as man, but his Father's; he is the faithful witness, and truth itself; his words are more than human, and besides are pleasant and wholesome: and every word and doctrine of his apostles, who received their mission commission, and doctrines from him, is also to be believed; but every spirit, or everyone that pretends to be a spiritual man, and to have spiritual gifts, is not to be believed; but the words and doctrines of ordinary men and ministers are to be first tried by the unerring rule of the sacred Scriptures; yea, the doctrines of the apostles were examined by them; see Jo1 4:1; they are "simple", weak, silly, foolish persons, that believe all they hear, whether right or wrong, true or false, good or hurtful; they are children in knowledge, who are tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, and are deceived with good words and fair speeches, Eph 4:14, Rom 16:18. This truly describes the followers of the man of sin; who give heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; who believe as the church believes; that believe with an implicit faith; believe every word and doctrine the pope and councils say they should, though ever so absurd; as, for instance, the doctrine of transubstantiation: these are "simple" or fools with a witness, who give up their understandings, and even their senses unto, and pin their faith upon, another; but the prudent man looketh well to his going; or "its going" (o); to the course and tendency of the word he hears, or the doctrine which is proposed to his faith; he considers well whether it is agreeable or is contrary to the perfections of God; whether it derogates from the glory of any of the divine Persons; whether it makes for the magnifying the riches of God's grace, and for the debasing of men; or for the depreciating of the one, and setting up of the other; and whether it is a doctrine according to godliness, or not, that tends to promote holiness of heart and life, or to indulge a loose conversation; and according to these criteria he judges and determines whether he shall believe it or not. Or, "to his going"; that is, to the going of the deceiver and impostor; he observes narrowly the methods he takes, the artifices he makes use of, the cunning sleight by which he lies in wait to deceive; how craftily he walks, and handles the word of God deceitfully; and he takes notice of his moral walk and conversation, and, as our Lord says, "ye shall know them by their fruits", Mat 7:16. Or else the meaning is, and which seems to be the sense of our version, that he looks well unto, and carefully observes, his own goings; he takes heed to his ways, that they are right; that he is not in ways of his devising and choosing, but in God's ways; in the way of life and salvation by Christ; in the path of faith on him, and in the way of holiness; that he has chosen the way of truth, and walks in that; and that every step he takes in doctrine is according to the word of truth; and that whatever he does in worship is agreeably to the divine rule; and that every path of duty he treads in is according to the same, and as he has Christ for a pattern, and the Spirit for a guide; and that his walk is as becomes the Gospel, worthy of the calling wherein he is called, and that it is circumspect and wise; and such a man may be truly said to be a "prudent" man: the Targum is, "he attends to his good;'' and so he does. (o) "gressum illius, sc. sermonis", Baynus, so some in Mercerus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. It is folly to be credulous, to heed every flying report, to give ear to every man's story, though ever so improbable, to take things upon trust from common fame, to depend upon every man's profession of friendship and give credit to every one that will promise payment; those are simple who thus believe every word, forgetting that all men, in some sense, are liars in comparison with God, all whose words we are to believe with an implicit faith, for he cannot lie. 2. It is wisdom to be cautious: The prudent man will try before he trusts, will weigh both the credibility of the witness and the probability of the testimony, and then give judgment as the thing appears or suspend his judgment till it appears. Prove all things, and believe not every spirit.