Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. New Living Translation Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. English Standard Version The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Berean Standard Bible The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. King James Bible The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. New King James Version The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. New American Standard Bible The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge. NASB 1995 The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge. NASB 1977 The naive inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Legacy Standard Bible The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Amplified Bible The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge. Christian Standard Bible The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge. Holman Christian Standard Bible The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge. American Standard Version The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Contemporary English Version Stupidity leads to foolishness; be smart and learn. English Revised Version The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. GOD'S WORD® Translation Gullible people are gifted with stupidity, but sensible people are crowned with knowledge. Good News Translation Ignorant people get what their foolishness deserves, but the clever are rewarded with knowledge. International Standard Version The na�ve inherit folly, but the careful are crowned with knowledge. Majority Standard Bible The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. NET Bible The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge. New Heart English Bible The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Webster's Bible Translation The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. World English Bible The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe simple have inherited folly, "" And the prudent are crowned [with] knowledge. Young's Literal Translation The simple have inherited folly, And the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Smith's Literal Translation The simple inherit folly: and the prudent shall be surrounded with knowledge. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe childish shall possess folly, and the prudent, shall look for knowledge. Catholic Public Domain Version The childish will possess foolishness, and the discerning will anticipate knowledge. New American Bible The simple have folly as an adornment, but the shrewd wear knowledge as a crown. New Revised Standard Version The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFools inherit folly; but the prudent dispense knowledge. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Fools inherit madness and the intelligent distribute knowledge. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The thoughtless come into possession of folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Brenton Septuagint Translation Fools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Wise Woman…17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. 18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.… Cross References James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 3:35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame. Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both. / So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. / For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! Ephesians 5:15-17 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Proverbs 10:14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. Proverbs 15:14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 19:8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ... Proverbs 8:5 O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, Treasury of Scripture The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. inherit Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Proverbs 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. the prudent Proverbs 4:7-9 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding… Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. 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. Jump to Previous Acquire Behaviour Crowned Folly Foolish Foolishness Good Heritage Inherit Inherited Naive Possession Prudent Sense Sensible Simple ThoughtlessJump to Next Acquire Behaviour Crowned Folly Foolish Foolishness Good Heritage Inherit Inherited Naive Possession Prudent Sense Sensible Simple ThoughtlessProverbs 14 1. A wise woman builds her houseThe simple inherit folly The term "simple" in this context refers to those who are naive or lack discernment. In biblical literature, simplicity often denotes a lack of wisdom or understanding, which can lead to poor decision-making. This phrase suggests that folly, or foolishness, is the natural outcome for those who do not seek wisdom. The concept of inheritance implies that folly is not just a temporary state but a lasting condition that is passed down or acquired over time. This aligns with the biblical theme that wisdom must be actively pursued (Proverbs 2:1-6) and that neglecting it leads to negative consequences (Proverbs 1:32). but the prudent are crowned with knowledge Persons / Places / Events 1. The SimpleIn the context of Proverbs, "the simple" refers to those who are naive or lacking in judgment. They are often depicted as individuals who are easily led astray due to their lack of wisdom and discernment. 2. The Prudent This term describes those who are wise, discerning, and able to make sound judgments. The prudent person is characterized by their ability to foresee potential outcomes and act accordingly. 3. Folly Folly represents foolishness or a lack of good sense. In the book of Proverbs, folly is often contrasted with wisdom and is seen as the result of poor decision-making. 4. Knowledge In this context, knowledge is not just intellectual understanding but also includes moral insight and the ability to live according to God's principles. 5. Inheritance and Crowning These terms symbolize the outcomes or rewards of one's life choices. Inheritance implies receiving something as a result of one's nature or actions, while crowning suggests honor and recognition for wise living. Teaching Points The Consequences of SimplicityBeing simple or naive can lead to inheriting folly. It's crucial to seek wisdom actively to avoid the pitfalls of poor judgment. The Reward of Prudence Prudence leads to being "crowned with knowledge." This suggests that living wisely brings honor and recognition, both in this life and in the eyes of God. The Importance of Seeking Wisdom Wisdom is not innate but must be sought after. Engaging with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel are essential practices for gaining prudence. The Role of Discernment Discernment is a key aspect of prudence. It involves evaluating situations and making decisions that align with God's will. Living with Eternal Perspective Understanding that our choices have eternal consequences can motivate us to pursue wisdom and avoid folly.(18) The simple inherit folly.--As weeds spring up in unoccupied soil, so "simple" (Proverbs 1:22) persons, whose minds are unoccupied with good, often become self-willed; while the knowledge which the "prudent" gain by looking well to their steps (Proverbs 14:15) adorns them as a crown.Verse 18. - The simple inherit folly. The credulous simpleton naturally falls into possession of folly, feeds upon it, and enjoys it. The LXX. regards the simple as communicating their folly to others, and translates, "Fools will divide malice." But the prudent are crowned with knowledge; put on knowledge as a crown of glory, in accordance with the Stoic saying, quoted in the 'Speaker's Commentary,' "The wise is the only king." Nowack thinks the above translation and the idea alike belong to later times, and prefers to render, "The prudent embrace knowledge," which is parallel to the sentiment of ver. 6. The word is found only in Psalm 142:8, where it is translated either "shall compass me about" or "crown themselves through me." The Vulgate has expectabunt, i.e. "wait for it patiently," as the fruit of labour and perseverance. Septuagint, "The wise shall get possession of (κρατήσουσιν) knowledge." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The simpleפְתָאיִ֣ם (p̄ə·ṯā·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6612: Simple, perhaps open-minded inherit נָחֲל֣וּ (nā·ḥă·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5157: To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate folly, אִוֶּ֑לֶת (’iw·we·leṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 200: Silliness but the prudent וַֽ֝עֲרוּמִ֗ים (wa·‘ă·rū·mîm) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6175: Crafty, shrewd, sensible are crowned יַכְתִּ֥רוּ (yaḵ·ti·rū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3803: To enclose, to crown, to besiege, to wait with knowledge. דָֽעַת׃ (ḏā·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1847: Knowledge Links Proverbs 14:18 NIVProverbs 14:18 NLT Proverbs 14:18 ESV Proverbs 14:18 NASB Proverbs 14:18 KJV Proverbs 14:18 BibleApps.com Proverbs 14:18 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 14:18 Chinese Bible Proverbs 14:18 French Bible Proverbs 14:18 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly but the prudent (Prov. Pro Pr) |