The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
Parallel translations
- WEB The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
- KJV The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
- NKJV The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
- NASB The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit.
- NLT The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
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 prudent gain wisdom by examining their own way, but fools deceive themselves with folly. Self-examination is the path of wisdom.
Overview
Wisdom involves honestly reflecting on one's own conduct and direction, whereas folly clothes itself in self-deceit. The proverb commends thoughtful discernment of one's path over the fool's flattering illusions. Scripture urges such honest self-examination before God, who alone searches the heart (Psalm 139:23-24).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 16
- Eph 5:17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- 2 Tim 3:13while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
- Jas 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
- Col 1:9–10For 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,
- Ps 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Prov 11:18The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
- Prov 2:9Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
- Prov 8:20I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
- Ps 119:73Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.
- Ps 119:5Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes!
- Ps 119:34–35Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.
- Luke 12:19–20Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
- Ps 143:8Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.
- Eph 4:22to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
- Jer 13:20Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride?
- 2 Tim 3:15–17From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
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 14:8 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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.