Proverbs 14:15 — Word Study
WLCפֶּ֭תִי יַאֲמִ֣ין לְכָל־ דָּבָ֑ר וְ֝עָר֗וּם יָבִ֥ין לַאֲשֻׁרֽוֹ׃
BSA◂The simple [man]pᵉthîy [naive, easily influenced] believesʼâman▸ [has faith in, trusts] everykôl [all, each] worddâbâr ◂but the prudent manʻârûwm [wise, discerning] watchesbîyn▸ [looks well to, considers] his stepsʼâshur [going, movements, progress]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| פֶּ֭תִי | a naive person | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| יַאֲמִ֣ין | he believes | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לְכָל־ | every | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| דָּבָ֑ר | thing | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְ֝עָר֗וּם | and a sensible [person] | Conjunction |
| יָבִ֥ין | he considers | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לַאֲשֻׁרֽוֹ׃ | step his | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. |
| KJV | The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. |
| ASV | The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going. |
| YLT | The simple giveth credence to everything, And the prudent attendeth to his step. |
| WEB | A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. |
| BBE | The simple man has faith in every word, but the man of good sense gives thought to his footsteps. |
All translations agree on the basic meaning of the verse, emphasizing the contrast between the simple and the prudent.
The sentence consists of two main clauses that present contrasting ideas about belief and caution.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectפֶּתִי
verbאָמַן
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 14:15
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom in Proverbsgenerated
Proverbs 14:15 presents a contrast between two types of individuals: the simple man who easily believes everything he hears and the prudent man who carefully considers his actions. This verse is part of a larger discourse on wisdom and folly, emphasizing the importance of discernment in decision-making. The surrounding verses further elaborate on the consequences of one's choices, highlighting the value of wisdom in navigating life's complexities.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:26 | Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. |
| 2 | Proverbs 22:3 | The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:12 | The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. |
| 4 | Romans 16:18–19 | For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. |
| 5 | Ephesians 4:14 | Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — פֶּ֫תִי, Pe.tigenerated
The word פֶּ֫תִי (pethiy) describes a person who is naive or simple-minded, suggesting a lack of discernment or wisdom. It is derived from a root meaning to be open or seducible, indicating someone who is easily influenced by others. This term appears multiple times in Proverbs, often in contexts warning against foolishness and advocating for wisdom.
In this verse, the simple man is contrasted with the prudent man, highlighting the consequences of naivety versus wisdom. The simple man's tendency to believe every word reflects a lack of critical thinking, while the prudent man's careful consideration of his steps underscores the importance of discernment.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse uses the simple man believes and the prudent man watches, which aligns with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is built around two main clauses, each containing a subject and a verb: פֶּ֭תִי (the simple man) and עָר֗וּם (the prudent man). The first clause states what the simple man does, while the second clause describes the actions of the prudent man.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the subjects, with the simple man first, drawing attention to his naivety, followed by the prudent man, highlighting the contrast in behavior.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates פֶּ֫תִי as ἄκακος (akakos), meaning innocent or harmless, which carries a slightly different nuance than the Hebrew. This choice suggests a focus on the simplicity of the naive person, emphasizing their vulnerability to deception.
For עָר֗וּם, the Septuagint uses πανοῦργος (panourgos), which implies cunning or shrewdness, aligning with the Hebrew's connotation of prudence but also suggesting a more active engagement with one's surroundings.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 14:15 teaches that a simple man believes everything he hears, while a wise man carefully considers his actions. This verse reminds us of the importance of discernment and being cautious about what we believe and how we act.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
A simple man is someone who is naive and easily influenced, lacking discernment and wisdom.
Being prudent means being wise and careful in decision-making, which helps avoid mistakes and negative consequences.
You can develop discernment by seeking wisdom, learning from experiences, and being cautious about the information you accept.
Being naive can lead to poor decisions and being easily misled, which can have negative effects on one's life.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I tend to be naive or too trusting?
- How can I practice being more discerning in my decisions?
- What steps can I take to seek wisdom and avoid foolishness?
- Who can I turn to for guidance when I need to make an important decision?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers reflect on this verse's wisdom, emphasizing the importance of discernment in belief and action.
A hermit said, ‘Do not be pleased at everything that is said, and do not agree with everything that is said. Be slow to believe, and quick to say what is true.’Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 14 →
The innocent believes every word, etc. John both prohibited this innocence and taught how to have this prudence, when he said, Beloved, do not believe every spirit; but test the spirits, whether they are of God (1 John IV).Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 14 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 14:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe 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
Read John Gill on Proverbs 14 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. The simple believeth every word - whether, true or false, useful or injurious.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 14 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe simple, either the harmless man, or rather a foolish man, because he is opposed to the prudent, believeth every word; is easily deceived with the smooth words and fair pretences of false and deceitful men. To his going; either, 1. To his own going, as this is generally understood; he ordereth his conversation and dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do. Or, 2. To the going of the deceiver, whose the word in the former clause is supposed to be. So the sense is, He judgeth of men’ s words and professions by their conversation; which is a good rule,
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 14 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.Ver. 15. The simple believeth every word.] You may draw him any way with a wet finger, persuade him to anything, as Rehoboam, that old baby. Nηφεκαιμεμνησοαπιστειν, was a very good rule of Epicharmus. Be not light of belief; try before you trust; look before you leap. Alioqui saliens antequam videas, casurus es antequam debeas, Wisdom would, that as men should not be too censorious ("This man blasphemeth," said they of our Saviour), so neither too credulous, as the giddy headed Galatians were to their seducing doctors; - "I wonder that ye are so soon removed," &c. Let us leave to the Papists…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 14 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(15) The simple.—See above on Proverbs 1:22. Believeth every word.—And so, having no fixed principles by which to go, often takes a wrong step; while the prudent man considers well (Proverbs 14:8) whither each step will lead, and therefore does not go astray.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 14 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSimple - In the bad sense (compare Proverbs 1:22).
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 14 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible15. Every word — Or, every thing. He is over credulous. Looketh well to his going — Is observant of his steps, looks well where he puts his foot, and does not place it anywhere until he is sure of his footing.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 14 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
A naive person believes everything, but the shrewd person discerns his steps.
Tyndale line
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The foolish will beleeue euery thing: but the prudent will consider his steppes.
Strictly literal
The simple believeth every word; but the prudent [man] heedeth his going.
The simple giveth credence to everything, And the prudent attendeth to his step.
The simple gives credence to everything, || And the prudent attends to his step.
The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man understandeth his steps.
The one who is naive believes everything, but the prudent man thinks about his steps.
From the Latin
The innocent believeth every word: the discreet man considereth his steps. No good shall come to the deceitful son: but the wise servant shall prosper in his dealings, and his way shall be made straight.
Simplified
Stupid people believe whatever they're told, but sensible people think about what they're doing.
The simple man has faith in every word, but the man of good sense gives thought to his footsteps.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 14:15 states, 'The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.' The Septuagint, while it matches all seven words from the Masoretic Text in a word-by-word correspondence, presents the text in its own unique order and structure, which may affect the interpretation but does not alter the fundamental meaning. There are no significant differences in meaning between the two texts in this verse, as both convey the same idea about simplicity and prudence.
פֶּ֭תִי יַאֲמִ֣ין לְכָל־ דָּבָ֑ר וְ֝עָר֗וּם יָבִ֥ין לַאֲשֻׁרֽוֹ׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 14:15
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
פֶּ֫תִי (pethiy) refers to a state of being simple or foolish, with implications of being open-minded or naive. It encompasses both an adjective describing a person as simple-minded and a noun indicating simplicity or lack of wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:22. The term is derived from a root meaning to be open or seducible.
פֶּ֫תִי adj. simple, poss. as open-minded
base
[פְּתִי] n.f. simplicity (i.e. lack of wisdom), Pr 1:22.
ref
H6612a פֶּ֫תִי simple, poss. as open-minded H6612b פְּתִי simplicity
6612 pthiy peth-ee'
or pethiy {peh'-thee}; or pthaeiy {peth-aw-ee'}; from 6601;
silly (i.e. seducible):--foolish, simple(-icity, one).
see HEBREW for 06601
פֶּ֫תִי (pe.ti) — simple.
adj
simple, foolish, open-minded
פְּתִי (pe.ti) — simplicity.
simplicity, naivete
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
אָמַן (aman) is a Hebrew root meaning to support or confirm, with applications ranging from nurturing (as a foster parent or nurse) to establishing trust and reliability. It encompasses concepts of faithfulness, permanence, and assurance. The entries highlight its use in various forms, including verbs and nouns, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
[אָמַן] vb. confirm, support
Qal
as vb. support, nourish
as subst. foster-father
foster-mother, nurse
pillars, supporters of the door
Niph.
carried by nurse
made firm, sure, lasting
confirmed, established, sure
verified, confirmed
reliable, faithful, trusty
Hiph.
stand firm
trust, believe
base
H539 אָמַן confirm, support .. as vb. support, nourish
. as subst. foster-father
. foster-mother, nurse
. pillars, supporters of the door
. . carried by nurse
. made firm, sure, lasting
. confirmed, established, sure
. verified, confirmed
. reliable, faithful, trusty
. . stand firm
. trust, believe
539 'aman aw-man'
a primitive root; properly, to build up or support; to foster
as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or
faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet;
morally to be true or certain; once (Isa. 30:21;
interchangeable with 541) to go to the right hand:--hence,
assurance, believe, bring up, establish, + fail, be faithful
(of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty,
verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the
right.
see HEBREW for 0541
אָמַן (a.man) — be faithful.
1) to support, confirm, be faithful
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish
1a1a) foster-father (subst.)
1a1b) foster-mother, nurse
1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm
1b1a) to be carried by a nurse
1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting
1b1c) confirmed, established, sure
1b1d) verified, confirmed
1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in
1c1a) stand firm
1c1b) trust, believe
Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singularHVhi3ms
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
דָּבָר (dabar) means 'word' or 'speech' and encompasses a range of meanings including discourse, saying, and matter. It can refer to anything spoken or a topic of discussion, extending to concepts like business or affairs. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
דָּבָר 1439 n.m. speech, word
sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
sg. a word, words
sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
base
H1697 דָּבָר speech, word . sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
. sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
. sg. a word, words
. sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
1697 dabar daw-baw'
from 1696; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or
thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X
any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case,
cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X
commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, +
dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, +
eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt,
+ iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter,
message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, +
please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose,
question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said,
sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness),
somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that,
X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings,
what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.
see HEBREW for 01696
דָּבָר (da.var) — word.
: word/speech/command
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: speaking.
: speaking
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: thing.
: thing/matter
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: promised.
: promised/duty
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: deed.
: deed
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
עָרוּם (aruwm) describes a quality of being crafty, shrewd, or sensible, often with a negative connotation of cunning. The term is derived from a passive form of another root, and it encompasses meanings like subtle and prudent. It appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, highlighting traits that can be both positive and negative.
עָרוּם adj. crafty, shrewd, sensible
base
H6175 עָרוּם crafty, shrewd, sensible
6175 `aruwm aw-room'
passive participle of 6191; cunning (usually in a bad
sense):--crafty, prudent, subtil.
see HEBREW for 06191
עָרוּם (a.rum) — prudent.
1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible
1a) crafty
1b) shrewd, sensible, prudent
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aamsa
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--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).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
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
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
אֲשׁוּר (ashur) and אַשֻּׁר (ashshur) both mean 'step' or 'going.' They are derived from the same root and represent the concept of movement or progression. The entries consistently emphasize this meaning without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[אֲשׁוּר, אָשׁוּר] n.f. step, going
base
[אַשֻּׁר] n.f. step, going
base
H838a אֲשׁוּר, אָשׁוּר step, going H838b אַשֻּׁר step, going
838 'ashur aw-shoor'
or ashshur {ash-shoor'}; from 833 in the sense of going; a
step:--going, step.
see HEBREW for 0833
אֲשׁוּר (a.shur) — step.
step, going
Also means: a.shur (אַשֻּׁר "step" H0838B)
אַשֻּׁר (a.shur) — step.
step, going
Another spelling of a.shur (אֲשׁוּר "step" H0838A)
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms