A wise man fears and turns from evil
The concept of wisdom in the Bible often begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not terror but a reverent awe and respect for God's holiness and authority. The wise man recognizes the destructive nature of sin and actively chooses to avoid it. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of repentance and turning away from sin (Matthew 4:17). The act of turning from evil is a conscious decision, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, often associated with living a life that honors God and adheres to His commandments. The geographical setting of Israel, surrounded by pagan nations, made it crucial for the Israelites to distinguish themselves by adhering to God's laws and avoiding the evil practices of their neighbors.

but a fool is careless and reckless
In contrast, the fool in biblical literature is often characterized by a lack of discernment and disregard for God's commandments. The fool's carelessness and recklessness indicate a life lived without consideration of the consequences of sin. This behavior is frequently condemned in the wisdom literature, as it leads to destruction and separation from God (Proverbs 1:7, 10:23). The historical context of Israel, with its covenant relationship with God, underscores the seriousness of such behavior. The fool's actions are not just personal failings but a breach of the covenant, which had communal implications. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, warning against living according to the flesh and urging believers to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-21). The fool's path is ultimately one of spiritual death, contrasting sharply with the life and peace promised to those who follow Christ.

1. Wise Man
Represents individuals who possess godly wisdom, characterized by reverence for God and discernment in avoiding evil.

2. Fool
Symbolizes those who lack wisdom, often acting without consideration of consequences, leading to reckless behavior.

3. Evil
Refers to moral wrongs and sinful actions that are contrary to God's will.

4. Fear
In this context, it implies a reverential awe and respect for God, leading to a conscious decision to avoid sin.

5. Turning Away
The act of deliberately choosing to avoid or withdraw from sinful behavior or situations.The Importance of Godly Fear
A wise person understands the significance of fearing the Lord, which leads to a conscious effort to avoid evil. This fear is not terror but a deep respect and reverence for God's holiness and authority.

Discernment in Daily Choices
Wisdom involves recognizing situations that could lead to sin and making deliberate choices to turn away. This requires vigilance and a heart attuned to God's guidance.

Consequences of Recklessness
The fool's carelessness and recklessness lead to spiritual and often physical harm. Understanding the consequences of our actions is crucial in living a life that honors God.

Seeking Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the counsel of mature Christians. This pursuit is essential for making decisions that align with God's will.

Living Wisely in a Fallen World
In a world filled with temptations, living wisely requires constant reliance on God's strength and wisdom to navigate challenges and avoid evil.(16) A wise man feareth.--(Comp. Proverbs 3:7.)

The fool rageth.--Gives way to passionate excitement, and "is confident" in his own wisdom; he has no "quietness and confidence" (Isaiah 30:15) in God.

Verse 16. - A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil (Proverbs 22:3). In Proverbs 3:7 we had, "Fear the Lord, and depart from evil;" but here the idea is different. A wise man fears the evil that lurks in everything, and examines and ponders actions by the standard of religion, and is thus saved from many evils which arise from hastiness and inadvertence. The fool rageth, and is confident (Proverbs 21:24; Proverbs 28:26). The fool easily falls into a rage, and has no control over himself, and is confident in his own wisdom, in contrast to the wise man, who has trust in God, and is calm and thoughtful (Isaiah 30:15). Revised Version, "beareth himself insolently, and is confident;" but, as Nowack remarks, the word (mithabber), where it occurs elsewhere, means, "to be excited," "to be in a passion" (comp. Proverbs 21:24; Proverbs 26:17; Psalm 78:21, 59, 62), and this usual signification gives a good meaning here. Vulgate, transilit, "he overleaps" all laws and restrictions. The LXX., by transposition of the letters, reads mithareh, and translates μίγνυται," The fool trusting to himself mixes himself up with sinners."

Parallel Commentaries ...


A wise
חָכָ֣ם (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

[man] fears
יָ֭רֵא (yā·rê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3373: Fearing, reverent

and turns
וְסָ֣ר (wə·sār)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from evil,
מֵרָ֑ע (mê·rā‘)
Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

but a fool
וּ֝כְסִ֗יל (ū·ḵə·sîl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

is careless
מִתְעַבֵּ֥ר (miṯ·‘ab·bêr)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

and reckless.
וּבוֹטֵֽחַ׃ (ū·ḇō·w·ṭê·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and shuns evil (Prov. Pro Pr)