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Proverbs 14:8
Verse
Context
Sermons
John Gill
George KulpSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to observe his way, And the folly of fools is deceit. The nearest idea is that of self-deceit, according to which the lxx, Syr., and Jerome render the word error ("Irrsal"). But מרמה is nowhere else used of self-deception, and moreover is not the suitable word for such an idea, since the conception of the dolus malus is constantly associated with it. Thus the contrast will be this: the wisdom of the prudent shows itself in this, that he considers his conduct (הבין as Pro 7:7, cf. Psa 5:2), i.e., regulates it carefully, examining and considering (Pro 13:16) it according to right and duty; and that on the contrary the folly of fools shows itself in this, that they aim at the malevolent deception of their neighbour, and try all kinds of secret ways for the gaining of this end. The former is wisdom, because from the good only good comes; the latter is folly or madness, because deception, however long it may sneak in darkness, yet at last comes to light, and recoils in its destructive effects upon him from whom it proceeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,.... The way of his calling, in which he should abide, and how to manage it in the best manner; the way of his duty, that he may walk inoffensively both towards God and men; and the way of life and salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, which to understand and to walk in is the highest wisdom and prudence; but the folly of fools is deceit: or "the wisdom of fools", which the opposition requires, and is meant, and is what the Holy Ghost calls "folly", as elsewhere, Co1 3:19; this is itself "deceit"; it is science, falsely so called; it lies in tricking and deceiving; and the issue of it is, not only the deceiving of others, but themselves also: such is the folly of the man of sin and followers, which lies in deceiving the inhabitants of the earth with their sorceries and superstitions, with their lying wonders and miracles; see Th2 2:10, Rev 13:14.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, 1. The good conduct of a wise and good man; he manages himself well. it is not the wisdom of the learned, which consists only in speculation, that is here recommended, but the wisdom of the prudent, which is practical, and is of use to direct our counsels and actions. Christian prudence consists in a right understanding of our way; for we are travellers, whose concern it is, not to spy wonders, but to get forward towards their journey's end. It is to understand our own way, not to be critics and busybodies in other men's matters, but to look well to ourselves and ponder the path of our feet, to understand the directions of our way, that we may observe them, the dangers of our way, that we may avoid them, the difficulties of our way, that we may break through them, and the advantages of our way, that we may improve them - to understand the rules we are to walk by and the ends we are to walk towards, and walk accordingly. 2. The bad conduct of a bad man; he puts a cheat upon himself. He does not rightly understand his way; he thinks he does, and so misses his way, and goes on in his mistake: The folly of fools is deceit; it cheats them into their own ruin. The folly of him that built on the sand was deceit.
Proverbs 14:8
The Wise Woman
7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Of Wisdom and Prudence.
By John Gill0Spiritual GrowthWisdomPSA 51:6PRO 14:8ROM 1:21John Gill emphasizes the vital relationship between wisdom and prudence, arguing that zeal must be tempered with wisdom to avoid ignorance and rashness. He explains that true spiritual wisdom is a divine gift that enables individuals to understand their own nature, the glory of God, and the way of salvation through Christ. Gill highlights that this wisdom manifests in good works, a sincere profession of faith, and a life that reflects God's principles. He stresses that spiritual wisdom is essential for navigating life's challenges and fulfilling one's duty to God and others. Ultimately, Gill asserts that wisdom comes from God and is cultivated through His Word and fellowship with the wise.
Stand in Awe, and Sin Not: Commune With Your Own Heart Upon Your Bed
By John Calvin0PSA 4:4PRO 14:8EPH 4:26JAS 1:19John Calvin preaches on the importance of self-reflection and solitude in order to examine one's own faults and sins truthfully and honestly. He emphasizes the need to withdraw from external distractions and influences to commune with one's own heart, away from the deception of empty applause and public judgment. Calvin highlights the wisdom in being angry with oneself to abstain from sin, rather than directing anger towards others, as a means of self-correction and growth.
Folly of Infidelity
By George Kulp0PRO 14:8MAT 7:21ROM 6:23JAS 1:221PE 3:15George Kulp preaches about proving the foolishness of infidelity, the danger of counterfeit Christians, and the consequences of turning away from God's blessings. He shares stories of individuals who faced the reality of their choices and the impact of their beliefs on their lives, emphasizing the importance of personal experience with God's saving power. Kulp also highlights the significance of acknowledging God's grace and the divinity of Christ through transformed lives and testimonies.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to observe his way, And the folly of fools is deceit. The nearest idea is that of self-deceit, according to which the lxx, Syr., and Jerome render the word error ("Irrsal"). But מרמה is nowhere else used of self-deception, and moreover is not the suitable word for such an idea, since the conception of the dolus malus is constantly associated with it. Thus the contrast will be this: the wisdom of the prudent shows itself in this, that he considers his conduct (הבין as Pro 7:7, cf. Psa 5:2), i.e., regulates it carefully, examining and considering (Pro 13:16) it according to right and duty; and that on the contrary the folly of fools shows itself in this, that they aim at the malevolent deception of their neighbour, and try all kinds of secret ways for the gaining of this end. The former is wisdom, because from the good only good comes; the latter is folly or madness, because deception, however long it may sneak in darkness, yet at last comes to light, and recoils in its destructive effects upon him from whom it proceeds.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,.... The way of his calling, in which he should abide, and how to manage it in the best manner; the way of his duty, that he may walk inoffensively both towards God and men; and the way of life and salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, which to understand and to walk in is the highest wisdom and prudence; but the folly of fools is deceit: or "the wisdom of fools", which the opposition requires, and is meant, and is what the Holy Ghost calls "folly", as elsewhere, Co1 3:19; this is itself "deceit"; it is science, falsely so called; it lies in tricking and deceiving; and the issue of it is, not only the deceiving of others, but themselves also: such is the folly of the man of sin and followers, which lies in deceiving the inhabitants of the earth with their sorceries and superstitions, with their lying wonders and miracles; see Th2 2:10, Rev 13:14.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, 1. The good conduct of a wise and good man; he manages himself well. it is not the wisdom of the learned, which consists only in speculation, that is here recommended, but the wisdom of the prudent, which is practical, and is of use to direct our counsels and actions. Christian prudence consists in a right understanding of our way; for we are travellers, whose concern it is, not to spy wonders, but to get forward towards their journey's end. It is to understand our own way, not to be critics and busybodies in other men's matters, but to look well to ourselves and ponder the path of our feet, to understand the directions of our way, that we may observe them, the dangers of our way, that we may avoid them, the difficulties of our way, that we may break through them, and the advantages of our way, that we may improve them - to understand the rules we are to walk by and the ends we are to walk towards, and walk accordingly. 2. The bad conduct of a bad man; he puts a cheat upon himself. He does not rightly understand his way; he thinks he does, and so misses his way, and goes on in his mistake: The folly of fools is deceit; it cheats them into their own ruin. The folly of him that built on the sand was deceit.