Proverbs 22:3
Proverbs 22:3 in Multiple Translations
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
The sharp man sees the evil and takes cover: the simple go straight on and get into trouble.
If you're sensible you see danger coming and get out of the way; but stupid people just keep going and pay for it.
A prudent man seeth the plague, and hideth himselfe: but the foolish goe on still, and are punished.
The prudent hath seen the evil, and is hidden, And the simple have passed on, and are punished.
A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
The prudent man saw the evil, and hid himself: the simple passed on, and suffered loss.
Those who have good sense realize that there is something dangerous ahead, and they avoid it; those who do not have good sense just keep going and later they will suffer because of doing that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:3
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 22:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָר֤וּם
רָאָ֣ה
רָעָ֣ה
ו/יסתר
וְ/נִסְתָּ֑ר
וּ֝/פְתָיִ֗ים
עָבְר֥וּ
וְֽ/נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ
עָר֤וּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Adj
רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
ו/יסתר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/נִסְתָּ֑ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
וּ֝/פְתָיִ֗ים
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
Conj | Adj
עָבְר֥וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְֽ/נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ
ʻânash
H6064
to fine
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:3
עָר֤וּם
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.
רָאָ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
ו/יסתר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
וְ/נִסְתָּ֑ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
וּ֝/פְתָיִ֗ים
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
עָבְר֥וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וְֽ/נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ
ʻânash
H6064
"to fine"
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To fine or punish is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying a penalty. It is used in the Bible to describe punishment or condemnation, as seen in various translations. This word is about inflicting a penalty.
Definition: 1) to fine, amerce, punish, condemn, mulct 1a) (Qal) to fine, punish 1b) (Niphal) to be fined, be punished, be mulcted
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: amerce, condemn, punish, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 21:22; Proverbs 21:11; Proverbs 17:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:3
Context — A Good Name
1A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
3The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
4The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life. 5Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:12 | The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:16 | A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6 | For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. |
| 5 | Hebrews 11:7 | By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. |
| 6 | Isaiah 26:20–21 | Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. |
| 7 | Proverbs 7:7 | I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment, |
| 8 | Proverbs 7:22–23 | He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. |
| 9 | Exodus 9:20–21 | Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field. |
| 10 | Hebrews 6:18 | Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. |
Proverbs 22:3 Summary
This verse is saying that wise people see trouble coming and take steps to avoid it, but those who are not wise just keep going and end up getting hurt. It's like seeing a big storm cloud coming and seeking shelter, as Jesus taught us to be prepared and wise in Matthew 7:24-27. We can apply this to our lives by being aware of potential dangers, such as sin and temptation, and taking steps to avoid them, like reading God's Word and seeking His guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be prudent in the context of Proverbs 22:3?
To be prudent means to be wise and cautious, taking steps to avoid danger and harm, as seen in the example of Joseph in Genesis 37:3-4, who prepared for the famine by storing up grain.
Who are the simple mentioned in this verse?
The simple are those who lack wisdom and discernment, often acting impulsively without considering the consequences, as described in Proverbs 1:4, where it says the simple will gain wisdom and prudence.
What are the consequences of not taking cover from danger?
The consequences of not taking cover from danger can be severe, as seen in the story of Samson in Judges 16:20-21, who suffered greatly due to his lack of caution and prudence.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of potential dangers and taking steps to avoid them, such as seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105, which says His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential dangers in my life that I need to be aware of and take cover from?
- How can I cultivate prudence and wisdom in my decision-making and daily actions?
- What are some ways I can 'take cover' from spiritual dangers, such as temptation and deception?
- How can I balance being prudent with being bold and taking risks for God's kingdom?
- What role does faith and trust in God play in being prudent and avoiding danger?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:3
A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself,.... A wise man, whose eyes are in his head, who looks about him and before him, and is cautious and careful of his conduct and behaviour; he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:3
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
The evil; the calamity or judgment of God threatened and approaching. Hideth himself; retireth to his strong tower, mentioned ; by prayer and repentance putteth himself under the protection of the Almighty. Compare . Pass on in their former road and course of sin, carelessly and securely, as travellers do in a road where they apprehend no danger.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
Proverbs 22:3 A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.Ver. 3. A prudent man foreseeth an evil, &c.] Prevision is the best means of prevention. "A wise man’ s eyes are in his head," "his heart is also at his right hand." The Chinese say of themselves that all other nations of the world see but with one eye, they only with two. The Italians give out that they only do sapere ante factum, look before they leap, forecast an evil before it befall them. But these are praises proper to them that have learned holy and heavenly wisdom, that by certain sights and signs discern a tempest in the clouds, and seek seasonable shelter under the hollow of God’ s hand, "under the shadow of his wings." Such prudent persons were Noah, Joseph, Jonadab, Josiah, the Christians at Pella, &c. But the fool passeth on.] Pusheth on without fear or wit, as being resolved to have his will, whatever it stand him in. And is punished.] As a just reward of his rashness. Sin ever ends tragically. Flagitium et flagellum, ut acus et filum. Who ever waxed fierce against God and prospered?
"With the froward thou wilt wrestle," saith David. "Upon the wicked God shall rain snares," &c. And then, ut leo cassibus irretitus dixit, si praescivissem, as the lion, when he was caught in the hunter’ s toil, said, If I had foreknown this mischief, I would have shunned it. So these after wits, these post masters, these Epimetheuses, shall come in (but all too late) with their fool’ s ‘ Had-I-wist,’ which they should have timeously foreseen and prevented.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
(3) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, as the Israelites hid themselves within their houses from the destroying angel, Noah within the Ark, the Christians before the fall of Jerusalem (Luke 21:21) in Pella. (Comp. Isaiah 26:20.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
Verse 3. A prudent man foreseeth the evil] God in mercy has denied man the knowledge of futurity; but in its place he has given him hope and prudence. By hope he is continually expecting and anticipating good; by prudence he derives and employs means to secure it. His experience shows him that there are many natural evils in a current state, the course of which he can neither stem nor divert: prudence shows him beforehand the means he may use to step out of their way, and hide himself. The simple-the inexperienced, headstrong, giddy, and foolish - rush on in the career of hope, without prudence to regulate, chastise, and guide it; thus they commit many faults, make many miscarriages, and suffer often in consequence; and the commission of crimes leads to punishment.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:3
3. foreseeth] Rather, seeth. are punished] Rather, suffer for it., R.V. text. “Heb. are mulcted” R.V. marg.; ἐζημιώθησαν, LXX.; afflictus est damno, Vulg. The proverb occurs again Proverbs 27:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:3
3. Prudent — Here meaning, a sagacious, or farseeing man. Hideth himself — Namely, from the coming evil; he timely provides against it. The simple — Those who do not properly read the signs of the times.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Covering by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience if they have enough strength to face the challenges and temptations of the world. He emphasizes the importance of counting |
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I Am the Lord That Heals You by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of getting right with God, addressing areas of sin and disobedience in our lives. It highlights the need to surrender to God, seek forgiveness |
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The Stumbling Block of Viewing Things From a Human Point of View by Ian Robson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in spiritually, urging listeners to recognize the signs of the times and not be blind or short-sighted. It hig |
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Purity - Your Past Doesn't Scare God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes that our past does not intimidate God, encouraging believers to rise above discouragement and defeat. He highlights the destructive nature of sexual sin, p |
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Prophetic Call to Practical Preparation by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delivers a prophetic sermon addressing the signs of impending disasters and the importance of the Church's role in preparing for the tribulation period. He emphasizes |
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(Sex, Love & Marriage) 4. Love Is a Many-Splendoured Thing by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the true meaning of love as described in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding the different levels of love - eros, philia |
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From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h |