Proverbs 14:15

¶ The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.

The simple {H6612} believeth {H539} every word {H1697}: but the prudent {H6175} man looketh well {H995} to his going {H838}.

One who doesn't think believes every word, but the cautious understands his steps.

The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.

The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 14:15

Proverbs 14:15 presents a profound contrast between two fundamental approaches to life: one characterized by naivety and the other by careful discernment. This verse serves as a timeless piece of wisdom, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and deliberate action in navigating a complex world.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a cornerstone of biblical wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for righteous living. Attributed primarily to King Solomon, it frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting the wise with the foolish, the righteous with the wicked, and the outcomes of their respective paths. Proverbs 14, in particular, is rich with such comparisons, providing insights into various aspects of moral conduct, social interaction, and personal character. This specific verse fits seamlessly within this framework, cautioning against uncritical acceptance and advocating for thoughtful consideration in all of life's dealings.

Key Themes

  • Discernment vs. Naivety: The core message lies in the stark difference between the "simple" who accept information without question and the "prudent" who meticulously evaluate their course. This underscores the dangers of gullibility and extols the virtue of careful assessment.
  • The Importance of Critical Thinking: The verse implicitly teaches that wisdom involves more than just knowledge; it requires the ability to analyze, question, and verify. It's a call to active engagement with information rather than passive reception.
  • Consequences of Choices: By contrasting the simple and the prudent, the proverb subtly points to the differing outcomes that result from thoughtless action versus deliberate consideration. The prudent man's carefulness leads to a more secure "going" or path.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "simple" in this verse comes from the Hebrew pethiy (פֶּתִי), which describes someone who is open, naive, inexperienced, and easily persuaded or deceived due to a lack of judgment. This individual is not necessarily malicious, but rather vulnerable. Conversely, "prudent" is translated from the Hebrew arum (עָרוּם), which denotes someone shrewd, sagacious, or cunning. In this context, it carries a positive sense of practical wisdom, foresight, and carefulness. The phrase "looketh well to his going" vividly portrays the prudent person's diligence in examining their path, actions, and decisions before proceeding, ensuring they are on a sound and safe course.

Related Scriptures

The wisdom embedded in Proverbs 14:15 resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing the value of discernment. The Book of Proverbs often contrasts the path of the wise with that of the foolish, as seen in Proverbs 22:3, where "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." The importance of seeking understanding and wisdom is a recurring call, highlighted in Proverbs 4:7, which declares, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Furthermore, the New Testament exhorts believers to exercise spiritual discernment, a crucial aspect of Christian maturity, as described in Hebrews 5:14, which speaks of those "who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Practical Application

In an age saturated with information, from social media to news outlets, the counsel of Proverbs 14:15 is incredibly pertinent. The "simple" person today might be one who believes every viral post, every sensational headline, or every untested claim without verification. The "prudent" individual, however, practices healthy skepticism, seeks reputable sources, considers multiple perspectives, and prayerfully evaluates information and potential actions. This verse encourages us to be thoughtful consumers of information, wise decision-makers, and intentional in our spiritual walk. It calls us to cultivate discernment in all areas of life, ensuring that our "going" is not based on fleeting trends or deceptive words, but on careful consideration rooted in truth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 14:8 (11 votes)

    ¶ The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.

  • Ephesians 5:17 (11 votes)

    Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].

  • Proverbs 4:26 (9 votes)

    Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

  • Proverbs 27:12 (9 votes)

    ¶ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.

  • 1 John 4:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Ephesians 4:14 (5 votes)

    That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

  • Romans 16:18 (3 votes)

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.