Proverbs 22:3

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

A prudent {H6175} man foreseeth {H7200} the evil {H7451}, and hideth {H5641}{H5641} himself: but the simple {H6612} pass on {H5674}, and are punished {H6064}.

The clever see trouble coming and hide; the simple go on and pay the penalty.

The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.

A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

Context

Proverbs 22:3 is a concise proverb that encapsulates a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom found throughout the book of Proverbs. This collection of ancient Hebrew wisdom sayings, largely attributed to King Solomon, aims to impart practical instruction for living a righteous and successful life. The book frequently contrasts the path of the wise and the foolish, highlighting the inevitable outcomes of each choice. This verse, therefore, fits squarely within the overarching theme of cultivating discernment and understanding the consequences of one's actions or inactions.

Key Themes

  • Foresight and Prudence: The "prudent man" is characterized by a keen ability to anticipate danger and adverse circumstances. This isn't mere intelligence, but a wisdom that leads to proactive measures, allowing one to "hide himself" from impending trouble. It emphasizes the value of thoughtful planning and spiritual discernment in navigating life's challenges.
  • Naiveté and Folly: In stark contrast, the "simple" person lacks this critical discernment. The Hebrew word for "simple" (pethi) refers to someone who is naive, easily swayed, and open to all influences without critical judgment. They often walk blindly into harmful situations because they fail to foresee or heed warnings, leading directly to negative consequences.
  • Consequences of Choices: The verse starkly illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping. Wisdom leads to safety and avoidance of harm, while foolishness and a lack of foresight inevitably lead to suffering and "punishment." This serves as a powerful reminder that our choices, particularly in how we approach potential dangers, have direct and predictable outcomes. For further insight into the consequences of folly, consider Proverbs 1:32.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prudent" comes from the Hebrew word 'arum (עָרוּם), which can mean shrewd, clever, or cunning. While sometimes used negatively (as in the serpent being "more subtle" in Genesis 3:1), in Proverbs, when applied positively, it denotes a beneficial, practical wisdom that enables one to navigate life effectively and avoid pitfalls. It is a discerning intelligence. The "simple" person is described by the Hebrew pethi (פֶּתִי), which signifies someone who is inexperienced, open-minded (often to a fault), and easily misled due to a lack of understanding or discernment. They are not necessarily evil, but dangerously naive.

Related Scriptures

This verse aligns with other biblical teachings on wisdom and discernment. The concept of foreseeing evil and taking refuge can be seen in Psalm 91:1, which speaks of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. The contrast between the wise and the foolish is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs, often beginning with the foundational truth that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Similarly, Proverbs 14:16 states, "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."

Practical Application

Proverbs 22:3 offers timeless practical wisdom for daily living. It encourages us to cultivate a discerning mind, actively seeking to anticipate potential problems in all areas of life—spiritual, financial, relational, and physical. This means not ignoring red flags, listening to wise counsel, and seeking God's guidance through prayer and His Word. Rather than blindly "passing on" and hoping for the best, true wisdom involves taking proactive steps to protect oneself and one's loved ones from foreseeable harm. This verse serves as a call to responsible living, urging us to be proactive in our faith and life choices, rather than reactive to inevitable consequences.

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.

  • Proverbs 27:12

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

  • Proverbs 14:16

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

  • Proverbs 29:1

    ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:6

    ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Isaiah 26:20

    ¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

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