Proverbs 14:8
Proverbs 14:8 in Multiple Translations
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the man of good sense makes his way clear; but the unwise behaviour of the foolish is deceit.
Sensible people use their wisdom to decide where they're going, but the foolishness of stupid people is treacherous.
The wisdome of ye prudent is to vnderstand his way: but the foolishnes of the fooles is deceite.
The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way, And the folly of fools [is] deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of a. discreet man is to understand his way: and the imprudence of fools erreth.
Those who have good sense are wise, so they know what they should do and what they should not do; foolish people do not know what is right to do, but because they think that they do, they are deceiving themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָכְמַ֣ת
עָ֭רוּם
הָבִ֣ין
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
וְ/אִוֶּ֖לֶת
כְּסִילִ֣ים
מִרְמָֽה
חָכְמַ֣ת
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
עָ֭רוּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Adj
הָבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Inf-a
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אִוֶּ֖לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
Conj | N-fs
כְּסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:8
חָכְמַ֣ת
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
עָ֭רוּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
"prudent"
Adj
The Hebrew word for being prudent or cunning, often in a negative sense. It appears in Proverbs 12:16 and 12:23, warning against deceitful behavior. This idea is also found in Genesis 3:1, describing the serpent's cleverness.
Definition: 1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible 1a) crafty 1b) shrewd, sensible, prudent
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crafty, prudent, subtil. See also: Genesis 3:1; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 12:16.
הָבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/אִוֶּ֖לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
כְּסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:8
Context — The Wise Woman
6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
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.
9Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. 10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:17 | Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
| 2 | 2 Timothy 3:13 | while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. |
| 3 | James 3:13 | Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. |
| 4 | Colossians 1:9–10 | For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, |
| 5 | Psalms 119:73 | Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments. |
| 6 | Proverbs 2:9 | Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path. |
| 7 | Ephesians 4:22 | to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; |
| 8 | Psalms 119:5 | Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! |
| 9 | Psalms 119:34–35 | Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of Your commandments, for there I find delight. |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 3:15–17 | From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. |
Proverbs 14:8 Summary
[Proverbs 14:8 teaches us that being wise and prudent means being able to make good decisions and choices, as also seen in Proverbs 10:8. This comes from seeking God's wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in James 1:5. On the other hand, foolishness can lead us astray and cause us to make poor decisions, as warned in Proverbs 14:8. By trusting in God and seeking His wisdom, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be prudent in Proverbs 14:8?
To be prudent means to be wise and cautious in our decisions and actions, as seen in Proverbs 14:8, and this is a key characteristic of those who follow God's wisdom, as also mentioned in Proverbs 10:8.
How does the folly of fools deceive them?
The folly of fools deceives them by leading them away from God's truth and wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 14:8, and this can be seen in the way fools reject wisdom and knowledge, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 10:23.
What is the main difference between the prudent and the fools in this verse?
The main difference is that the prudent are able to discern their way and make wise decisions, whereas the fools are deceived by their own folly, as stated in Proverbs 14:8, highlighting the importance of seeking God's wisdom, as encouraged in James 1:5.
How can we apply the wisdom of the prudent in our daily lives?
We can apply the wisdom of the prudent by seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our decisions, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by being cautious and discerning in our actions, as seen in Proverbs 14:8, and also by trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and discernment, as encouraged in Proverbs 14:8 and James 1:5?
- How can I distinguish between wise and foolish decisions, and what are some biblical principles that can guide me in this, such as those mentioned in Proverbs 10:8 and Proverbs 14:8?
- What are some ways that I may be deceived by my own folly, and how can I guard against this, as warned in Proverbs 14:8 and 1 Corinthians 10:12?
- What role does humility play in seeking and applying God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 14:8 and Proverbs 22:4, and how can I cultivate humility in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:8
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; it consists not in vain speculations, nor in a curious prying into other men’ s matters, nor in cunning arts of deceiving others; but in a diligent study of his own duty, and of the way to true and eternal happiness. The folly of fools is deceit; the wit of ungodly men, which, though they account their wisdom, is really their folly, is employed only in finding out ways of overreaching and deceiving others, and themselves too.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.Ver. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way.] His wisdom begins in the right knowledge of himself, and ends in the right knowledge of God, that he may "walk worthy of God in all well pleasing," worthy of the calling wherewith he is called, that high and "heavenly calling" to the fruition of high and heavenly privileges, to an angelical and convincing conversation, such as may draw hearts or daunt them. We use to say of him that knows his place, and carries himself accordingly, such a man understands himself well enough. So here. But the folly of fools is deceit.] Or, Is to understand deceit, to know the devil’ s depths, to search his skull for carnal arguments that they may cum ratione insanire, be mad with show of reason, and deceive the hearts of the simple. "This their way is their folly; yet their posterity" - as wise as their foolsih fathers - "approve their sayings," abet their practices.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
(8) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way.—To look to it carefully that it is such as God would have it; but “the folly of fools (stupid persons, as Proverbs 14:7], is deceit;” it shows itself in trying to cheat others, though they are sure to be detected at last.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
Verse 8. Is to understand his way] Instead of הבין habin, to understand, הכין hachin, to DIRECT his way, is found in one MS. It makes a very good sense.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:8
8. deceit] It has been questioned whether this means self-deceit, as the parallel might seem to suggest, or deceiving others. But the design of the proverb is to shew that the two things are really one. Whereas the wisdom of the prudent consists in his understanding his own character and conduct, in its relation to God, to his neighbour and to himself, the folly of fools is that being self-deceived, they think they can deceive God and man to their own advantage. Comp. 2 Timothy 3:13.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:8
The Hebrew counterpart to the Greek “Know thyself.” “The highest wisdom is for a person to understand his own way. The most extreme folly is self-deceit.” The word “deceit” may, however, involve fraud practiced upon others.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:8
8. Wisdom of the prudent — The wary, cautious. Is to understand — Is the discerning of his way; that is, it is the means of doing so; points out the right way to him.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Stand in Awe, and Sin Not: Commune With Your Own Heart Upon Your Bed by John Calvin | John 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 fro |
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Of Wisdom and Prudence. by John Gill | John 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 spiri |
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Folly of Infidelity by George Kulp | George 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 |
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Communication of Our Faith - Part 5 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a dedicated and serious follower of God. He describes a true believer as someone who is not just superficially engag |
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Resources Which Must Be Received by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of the Christian life and the need for young people to understand that following Jesus is not just about having fun and games |
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Capernwray Bible School 2 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the fullness of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of the Christian life. He explains that the goal of the Christian li |
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Capernway Pt. 2 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the minister reflects on a previous day of ministry and feels like it was a failure. However, his perspective changes when his daughter interrupts his thoughts and |