Proverbs 14:18

¶ The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

The simple {H6612} inherit {H5157} folly {H200}: but the prudent {H6175} are crowned {H3803} with knowledge {H1847}.

Thoughtless people inherit folly, but the cautious are crowned with knowledge.

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 14:18 from the King James Version (KJV) presents a stark contrast between two types of individuals and their ultimate outcomes, emphasizing the profound importance of wisdom and discernment in life.

Context

This verse is part of the book of Proverbs, a collection of divinely inspired wisdom literature. The book frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting the characteristics and destinies of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. Proverbs 14, in particular, is rich with such comparisons, highlighting the practical consequences of one's choices and attitudes in daily life. This verse encapsulates a core message of Proverbs: that wisdom leads to honor and prosperity, while foolishness leads to ruin.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Simple vs. The Prudent: The verse immediately sets up a dichotomy. "The simple" (Hebrew: pethi - פתי) refers to those who are naive, easily swayed, and lack discernment, often due to inexperience or an unwillingness to learn. They are open to influence but do not choose the path of wisdom. In contrast, "the prudent" (Hebrew: arum - עָרוּם) denotes someone who is shrewd, discerning, and sensible, capable of navigating life with insight and foresight.
  • Inheriting Folly vs. Being Crowned with Knowledge: The outcome for each is vastly different. The simple "inherit folly" (Hebrew: ivveleth - אִוֶּלֶת), meaning foolishness becomes their inherent characteristic and their enduring possession. It's not just a temporary state but a deep-seated way of life that brings negative consequences. On the other hand, the prudent are "crowned with knowledge" (Hebrew: da'ath - דַּעַת). The imagery of a crown signifies honor, dignity, reward, and a public acknowledgment of their acquired wisdom and understanding. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but practical insight that guides their actions and decisions.
  • Consequences of Choices: The verse powerfully illustrates that one's disposition towards learning and discernment has direct, tangible consequences. Folly is the natural inheritance for those who remain simple, while true knowledge and understanding are the glorious reward for those who diligently pursue prudence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "simple," pethi (פתי), describes someone easily persuaded or led astray because they haven't developed critical thinking or discernment. This isn't necessarily a lack of intelligence, but a lack of cultivated wisdom. "Folly," ivveleth (אִוֶּלֶת), often implies a stubborn, active foolishness that resists correction. Conversely, "prudent," arum (עָרוּם), carries a positive connotation here, indicating a wise and skillful approach to life's challenges. The word "crowned" (yakhtiru - יַכְתִּירוּ) emphasizes the honor and elevated status that knowledge bestows upon the discerning individual, symbolizing a lasting reward for their choices.

Related Scriptures

This proverb echoes broader themes found throughout the Bible concerning wisdom and foolishness. The call to abandon simplicity and pursue wisdom is a recurring motif, as seen in Proverbs 1:22, where the simple are admonished for loving simplicity. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding is presented as paramount, with wisdom itself declaring, "I wisdom dwell with prudence" (Proverbs 8:12). Ultimately, the foundation of true knowledge is linked to reverence for God, as stated in Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:18 serves as a timeless reminder that our choices regarding wisdom and understanding have lasting implications. It encourages us to actively seek knowledge, cultivate discernment, and avoid naive or thoughtless living. Rather than passively inheriting the consequences of folly, we are called to be diligent in learning and applying biblical principles. By pursuing prudence, we not only gain insight for navigating life's complexities but also receive the honor and dignity that accompany a life lived wisely, reflecting God's character.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 1:18

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • 1 Peter 5:4

    And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

  • Proverbs 4:7

    Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

  • Proverbs 4:9

    She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

  • Matthew 23:29

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

  • Matthew 23:32

    Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

  • Daniel 12:3

    And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
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