The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
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.
- BSB The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
- ESV The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
- 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.
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 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 don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- 2 Tim 3:13But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
- Jas 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
- Col 1:9–10For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- Ps 111:10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Prov 11:18Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
- Prov 2:9Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
- Prov 8:20I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice;
- Ps 119:73Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
- Ps 119:5Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!
- Ps 119:34–35Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
- Luke 12:19–20I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’
- Ps 143:8Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
- Eph 4:22that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
- Jer 13:20Lift up your eyes, and see those who come from the north. where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful flock?
- 2 Tim 3:15–17From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
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 14:8 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.