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.
- BSB The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- ESV 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 quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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 1:18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
- 1 Pet 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
- Prov 3:35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
- Matt 23:29–32Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
- Jer 44:17But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.
- Dan 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
- Prov 11:29–30He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
- Prov 4:7–9Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
- 2 Tim 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
- Jer 16:19O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
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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