¶ The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.
The wisdom {H2451} of the prudent {H6175} is to understand {H995} his way {H1870}: but the folly {H200} of fools {H3684} is deceit {H4820}.
The wisdom of the cautious makes him know where he is going, but the folly of fools misleads them.
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit.
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Ephesians 5:17
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. -
2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. -
James 3:13
¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. -
Colossians 1:9
¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; -
Colossians 1:10
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; -
Psalms 111:10
The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever. -
Proverbs 11:18
¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.
Context of Proverbs 14:8
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and fulfilling life. It frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting the characteristics and outcomes of the wise and the foolish. Proverbs 14:8 fits this pattern perfectly, highlighting the fundamental difference in perspective and conduct between the "prudent" and "fools." This verse emphasizes the internal disposition that shapes one's outward actions and ultimate destiny, a recurring theme throughout the book.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Related Scriptures
Proverbs 14:8 speaks to the importance of understanding one's path, a concept that echoes Psalm 119:105, which describes God's word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in our way. The stark contrast between wisdom and folly is a foundational theme throughout the book of Proverbs, aligning with Proverbs 9:10, which declares that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fool's self-deception highlighted in this verse finds a parallel in Proverbs 12:15, where the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, illustrating their inability to see their own error.
Practical Application
This verse encourages profound self-reflection and honest evaluation. For believers, it underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom to truly "understand one's way" rather than being led astray by self-deception or the world's false promises. It challenges us to: