The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Parallel translations
- WEB The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- KJV The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- NKJV The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- NASB The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
- NLT Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The naive inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. We are rewarded according to the path we pursue.
Overview
The simple, who refuse instruction, come into folly as their lot, while the prudent are honored, 'crowned,' with knowledge. The imagery presents knowledge as an adornment and reward of the discerning. It encourages the diligent pursuit of wisdom, which Scripture says is more precious than gold (Proverbs 3:14-15).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 10
- 1 Pet 1:18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
- 1 Pet 5:4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
- Prov 3:35The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.
- Matt 23:29–32Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.
- Jer 44:17Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster.
- Dan 12:3Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
- Prov 11:29–30He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
- Prov 4:7–9Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
- 2 Tim 4:8From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
- Jer 16:19O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 14:18 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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