Proverbs 14:16

¶ A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

A wise {H2450} man feareth {H3373}, and departeth {H5493} from evil {H7451}: but the fool {H3684} rageth {H5674}, and is confident {H982}.

A wise person fears and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and overconfident.

A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.

A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.

Commentary

Proverbs 14:16 offers a sharp contrast between the character and conduct of a wise person and a fool, highlighting the core principles of biblical wisdom found throughout the book of Proverbs.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, primarily attributed to King Solomon. It serves as a guide for living a godly and prudent life, often presenting truths through antithetical parallelism, where two opposing ideas are placed side-by-side to emphasize a point. This verse is a classic example of such a contrast, setting the wise man's caution against the fool's recklessness, underscoring the practical implications of one's disposition towards wisdom and instruction.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of True Wisdom: Fear and Prudence: The "fear" mentioned here is not a terror-filled dread, but a profound reverence and awe for God, leading to a healthy respect for His commands and an awareness of the consequences of sin. This fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) and motivates a person to "depart from evil." It signifies a careful, discerning approach to life, marked by caution and foresight.
  • Departure from Evil: A direct outcome of this reverential fear is the active turning away from sin and harmful paths. The wise individual understands that certain actions lead to destruction and therefore proactively avoids them, demonstrating moral integrity and a commitment to righteousness.
  • The Fool's Recklessness and Misplaced Confidence: In stark contrast, the "fool" (Hebrew: kesil or 'evil, often implying moral deficiency rather than mere lack of intellect) is characterized by irrational anger or impulsiveness ("rageth") and a dangerous sense of self-assurance ("is confident"). This confidence is not based on wisdom or understanding, but on arrogance, ignorance, or a refusal to acknowledge potential dangers or consequences. This misplaced confidence often leads them into trouble, as seen in Proverbs 10:23 where "it is as sport to a fool to do mischief."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "feareth" (yare') carries the connotation of awe, reverence, and respect, especially for God, which naturally leads to a cautious and obedient lifestyle. It's distinct from mere fright. The term for "fool" (often kesil in Proverbs) refers to someone who is stubborn, morally perverse, and resistant to instruction, not merely unintelligent. This highlights the ethical dimension of foolishness in biblical thought.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine the source of our own confidence. Is our assurance rooted in a humble reverence for God and a diligent effort to live righteously, or in a reckless disregard for spiritual and moral dangers? True wisdom cultivates a healthy caution that protects us from harm, while foolish overconfidence blinds us to our own vulnerabilities and the consequences of our actions. We are called to cultivate a blessed fear of the Lord that leads to a life of prudence and righteousness, rather than succumbing to the destructive impulsiveness and unfounded assurance of the fool.

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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 22:3

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

  • Proverbs 3:7

    ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    Abstain from all appearance of evil.

  • Proverbs 29:9

    ¶ [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] no rest.

  • Proverbs 28:14

    ¶ Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

  • Proverbs 16:17

    ¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

  • Genesis 33:9

    And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.