Proverbs 14:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:16 masterfully contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, revealing that a profound, reverential awe of God leads the discerning individual to exercise prudent caution and actively turn away from evil, thereby safeguarding their life. In stark opposition, the fool, characterized by volatile impulsiveness and a dangerous, unfounded self-assurance, rushes headlong into peril, demonstrating a profound lack of discernment and an unwillingness to heed instruction or consequences. This verse encapsulates a core theme of Proverbs: the life-preserving benefits of wisdom rooted in divine reverence versus the destructive outcomes of self-reliant folly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14:16 is situated within the extensive collection of Solomonic proverbs found in [Proverbs 10:1-22:16](/proverbs/10-1-22-16 "Proverbs 10-22 - Sayings of Solomon"), a section predominantly characterized by **antithetical parallelism**. This literary structure is central to the book's pedagogical method, placing two contrasting ideas or statements side-by-side to highlight their differences and underscore a moral or theological truth. In this particular verse, the sharp dichotomy between the "wise man" and the "fool" serves as a microcosm of the entire book's overarching theme: the two divergent paths of life—one leading to flourishing and blessing through wisdom, the other to ruin and destruction through folly. The immediate verses often reinforce this pattern of contrasting character traits and their inevitable outcomes, emphasizing the practical and spiritual implications of one's disposition and choices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerged from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which sought to transmit practical and moral instruction for living a successful and righteous life within a community governed by divine principles. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a holistic way of life—a skill for living rightly before God and humanity. Crucially, the "fear of the Lord" was the foundational principle that distinguished Israelite wisdom from more secular wisdom traditions of the surrounding cultures. Proverbs were often taught orally, passed down from elders to youth, and served as ethical guidelines for navigating social relationships, economic dealings, and personal conduct. The stark contrast between the "wise" and the "fool" would have resonated deeply in a society where communal well-being and individual prosperity were understood to be intrinsically linked to adherence to established moral and divine codes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **"fear of the Lord"** as the beginning and cornerstone of true wisdom, as declared in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") and reiterated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"). This "fear" is not terror but a reverential awe that leads to humility, obedience, and a healthy caution against sin. Secondly, it highlights the **active and volitional nature of wisdom**, which involves a deliberate "departing from evil." This is not passive avoidance but a conscious, moral choice to separate oneself from destructive paths, reflecting a commitment to righteousness and a recognition of consequences. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays the **destructive nature of folly**, particularly the fool's characteristic "raging" (impulsiveness, lack of self-control) and "confidence" (arrogance, misplaced trust). This dangerous confidence is often rooted in self-deception or a refusal to acknowledge reality, leading to self-inflicted harm, as seen in the fool's disregard for instruction in [Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, this term denotes someone intelligent, skillful, or artful. In the context of Proverbs, "wise" transcends mere intellectual capacity; it signifies a person who possesses practical discernment and moral insight, applying divine truth to daily life. This wisdom is rooted in a right relationship with God and manifests in prudent, righteous behavior.
* **Feareth (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3373, this word means "fearing" or "reverent." It describes a deep, respectful awe and reverence for God, recognizing His sovereignty, holiness, and justice. This fear is not a cowering dread but a profound honor that motivates obedience and a careful avoidance of anything displeasing to God, leading to a cautious and discerning approach to life's dangers and moral choices.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684, this term refers to someone who is "fat," figuratively "stupid" or "silly." In Proverbs, a _kesil_ is not merely unintelligent but morally deficient—stubborn, resistant to instruction, and often arrogant in their ignorance. They are characterized by a profound lack of discernment and a propensity for self-destructive behavior, consistently choosing paths that lead to ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil":** This initial clause describes the discerning individual whose life is shaped by a profound reverence for God. The "fear" is a reverential awe of God, which serves as the primary motivator for their actions and decisions. This deep respect for divine authority and moral order naturally leads them to "depart from evil." This "departing" (Hebrew: _çûwr_, H5493) is an active, intentional turning away from harmful paths, sinful actions, and destructive influences. It signifies prudence, caution, and a proactive commitment to righteousness, understanding that certain choices lead to ruin and actively avoiding them.
* **"but the fool rageth, and is confident.":** This contrasting clause vividly reveals the nature of the foolish person. The fool "rageth" (Hebrew: _ʻâbar_, H5674), implying an impulsive, often uncontrolled display of anger, a heedless rushing forward without thought, or an unrestrained outburst. This emotional volatility is coupled with a dangerous "confidence" (Hebrew: _bâṭach_, H982). Unlike the wise person's cautious reverence, the fool's confidence is misplaced—it is an arrogant self-assurance, a stubborn refusal to acknowledge danger, or an overestimation of their own abilities or immunity to consequences. This combination of impulsiveness and unfounded certainty often leads them into trouble and destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 14:16 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure is foundational to much of the book of Proverbs, presenting two contrasting ideas or statements in parallel to highlight their differences and emphasize a moral truth. Here, the characteristics and behaviors of the "wise man" are set in direct opposition to those of the "fool," creating a sharp **Juxtaposition** that underscores the divergent outcomes of their respective paths. The verse also implicitly uses **Characterization**, vividly portraying the internal dispositions and external actions that define wisdom and folly. The actions of "fearing and departing" versus "raging and being confident" serve as metonyms for the entire lifestyle of each character type, illustrating that one's inner disposition inevitably manifests in outward conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 14:16 profoundly articulates the biblical worldview that wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual and moral, rooted in a right relationship with God. The "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented as the wellspring of true wisdom, leading to a life characterized by discernment, prudence, and a proactive avoidance of sin. This divine reverence cultivates a healthy caution, an awareness of consequences, and a humble submission to God's ways. In stark contrast, the fool's reckless confidence and uncontrolled impulsiveness stem from a fundamental disregard for God's wisdom and a reliance on self, which invariably leads to destruction. This dichotomy highlights humanity's fundamental choice: to walk in humble obedience to God, which brings life and security, or to stubbornly pursue self-reliant folly, which culminates in ruin.

* [Proverbs 28:14](/proverbs/28-14 "Proverbs 28:14 - Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 14:16 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to critically examine the source of our own confidence and the trajectory of our lives. Are we living with a humble, reverential "fear of the Lord," allowing it to shape our decisions and lead us away from evil? Or are we, like the fool, prone to impulsive reactions and a dangerous, unfounded self-assurance that blinds us to potential pitfalls and spiritual dangers? True wisdom cultivates a healthy caution, a discerning spirit that recognizes the consequences of sin and proactively seeks righteousness. It understands that genuine security comes not from self-reliance or bravado, but from trusting in God and walking in His ways. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, to be teachable, and to allow God's wisdom to guide our steps, protecting us from the destructive path of unchecked arrogance and impulsivity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing the Lord" practically look like in my daily decisions and interactions, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be exhibiting the "raging" or "confident" characteristics of the fool, rather than the measured caution of the wise?**
* **How does a healthy awareness of potential negative consequences (departing from evil) actually lead to greater freedom and true security, rather than restriction?**
* **What concrete steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a greater willingness to depart from anything that is not pleasing to Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear" mean in the context of "A wise man feareth"?**

Answer: In biblical wisdom literature, especially in Proverbs, the "fear of the Lord" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) does not mean a cowering terror or fright. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It is a humble recognition of His sovereignty and a deep desire to honor and obey Him. This reverential fear leads to a healthy caution and a moral sensitivity that motivates the wise person to avoid evil and walk in paths of righteousness. It is the foundational principle for true wisdom and discernment, as highlighted in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). This fear is a loving, obedient response to God's character.

**Why does the fool "rage" and what does it signify?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "rageth" (_ʻâbar_) can imply a heedless, impulsive rushing forward, often without thought or self-control, or even an outburst of anger. In the context of the fool, it signifies a lack of emotional restraint and a tendency to act on raw, volatile impulses rather than reasoned judgment. This "raging" illustrates the fool's instability, their inability to control their passions, and their readiness to plunge into situations without considering the consequences. It contrasts sharply with the wise person's measured caution and deliberate departure from evil, emphasizing the fool's self-destructive impulsiveness and lack of discernment.

**What is the danger of the fool's "confidence"?**

Answer: The fool's "confidence" (Hebrew: _bâṭach_) is dangerous because it is misplaced and unfounded. Unlike the wise person's trust in God, the fool's confidence is often rooted in arrogance, ignorance, or a stubborn refusal to acknowledge reality or potential dangers. It's a self-assurance that blinds them to their own vulnerabilities, to the warnings of others, and to the inevitable consequences of their foolish actions. This overconfidence leads them to rush headlong into situations that a wise person would carefully avoid, demonstrating a profound lack of discernment and an unwillingness to learn from mistakes or heed instruction, ultimately leading to trouble and ruin. This contrasts with the wise person's humble dependence on God, which is the true source of security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:16, like all wisdom literature, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the **Wisdom of God personified** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), the one who perfectly "feared" the Lord in the truest sense—not with terror, but with profound reverence, humble obedience, and complete submission to the Father's will. His entire life was a seamless "departing from evil," as He was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")) and perfectly obeyed the Father even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). In stark contrast to the fool who rages and is confident in self, Jesus demonstrated perfect self-control and humble reliance on God, even when facing immense pressure and opposition ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). His confidence was not born of arrogance but of perfect communion with the Father and a steadfast commitment to His redemptive mission. Through Christ, we who were once foolish and confident in our own ways can receive true wisdom, a new heart to fear God, and the power to depart from evil, finding our true confidence and security in Him alone ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). He is the path, the truth, and the life, guiding us away from the destructive confidence of folly and into the life-giving wisdom of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.