Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. New Living Translation A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. English Standard Version The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. Berean Standard Bible The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. King James Bible A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. New King James Version A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished. New American Standard Bible A prudent person sees evil and hides himself; But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty. NASB 1995 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty. NASB 1977 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty. Legacy Standard Bible A prudent man sees evil and hides, The simple pass on and are punished. Amplified Bible A prudent man sees evil and hides himself and avoids it, But the naive [who are easily misled] continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. Christian Standard Bible A sensible person sees danger and takes cover; the inexperienced keep going and are punished. Holman Christian Standard Bible A sensible person sees danger and takes cover; the inexperienced keep going and are punished. American Standard Version A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it. Contemporary English Version Be cautious and hide when you see danger--don't be stupid and walk right into trouble. English Revised Version A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. GOD'S WORD® Translation Sensible people foresee trouble and hide. Gullible people go ahead [and] suffer. Good News Translation Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. International Standard Version Those who are prudent see danger and take refuge, but the naïve continue on and suffer the consequences. NET Bible A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it. New Heart English Bible A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. Webster's Bible Translation A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. World English Bible A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe prudent has seen the evil, he is hidden, "" The simple have passed on, they are punished. Young's Literal Translation The prudent hath seen the evil, he is hidden, The simple have passed on, they are punished. Smith's Literal Translation The prudent one saw the evil, he hid himself; the simple passed and were punished. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe prudent man seeing evil hideth himself: little ones passing on have suffered losses. Catholic Public Domain Version The discerning man, seeing evil, hides himself. The little ones, continuing on, sustain losses. New American Bible The astute see an evil and hide; the naive continue on and pay the penalty. New Revised Standard Version The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself; but the fools pass on and suffer loss. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A cunning man sees evil and is hidden, but fools have passed by it and have suffered loss. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the thoughtless pass on, and are punished. Brenton Septuagint Translation A wise man, when evils are approaching, hides himself; but fools pass on, and will be punished. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Do not Boast about Tomorrow…11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me. 12The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. 13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.… Cross References Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ... Luke 14:28-32 Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, / saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ ... James 1:22-25 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ... Matthew 25:1-13 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ... 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation. Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Ezekiel 33:4-5 Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. / Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Matthew 24:42-44 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:35-40 Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ... Genesis 6:13-22 Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. / Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. / And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. ... 2 Peter 3:10-14 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. ... Isaiah 26:20-21 Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. / For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. Romans 13:11-14 And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ... Treasury of Scripture A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Exodus 9:20,21 He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: … Jump to Previous Cover Danger Evil Foreseeth Hidden Hides Hideth Naive Passed Pay Penalty Proceed Prudent Punished Refuge Sharp Simple Straight Suffer Thoughtless TroubleJump to Next Cover Danger Evil Foreseeth Hidden Hides Hideth Naive Passed Pay Penalty Proceed Prudent Punished Refuge Sharp Simple Straight Suffer Thoughtless TroubleProverbs 27 1. observations of self love5. of true love 11. of care to avoid offenses 23. and of the household care The prudent see danger and take cover This phrase highlights the wisdom of foresight and caution. In biblical context, prudence is often associated with wisdom and understanding, qualities highly valued in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. The prudent person is one who discerns potential threats and takes action to avoid them. This reflects the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a protective measure, as seen in Proverbs 22:3, which mirrors this verse. The concept of taking cover can be understood both literally and metaphorically, suggesting a proactive approach to life's challenges. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where travel and trade routes were fraught with physical dangers, such prudence would have been essential for survival. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to seek refuge in God, who is often described as a fortress and shield (Psalm 18:2). but the simple keep going and pay the penalty Persons / Places / Events 1. The PrudentThis refers to individuals who are wise, discerning, and able to foresee potential dangers or challenges. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (arum), which implies shrewdness or craftiness in a positive sense. 2. The Simple These are individuals who lack foresight and discernment. The Hebrew word (pethi) suggests naivety or simplicity, often leading to poor decision-making. 3. Danger This represents any form of threat, risk, or adverse situation that one might encounter in life. It is not a specific event but a general concept of potential harm. 4. Taking Cover This action signifies the response of the prudent to avoid or mitigate danger. It involves making wise decisions to protect oneself. 5. Suffering the Consequences This is the result of the simple ignoring warnings and continuing on a perilous path, leading to negative outcomes. Teaching Points The Value of PrudencePrudence is a valuable trait that allows individuals to foresee potential dangers and take appropriate actions to avoid them. It is a form of wisdom that is highly esteemed in Scripture. Consequences of Naivety Ignoring warnings and continuing on a dangerous path leads to suffering. The simple often fail to heed advice or recognize risks, resulting in negative outcomes. Seeking Wisdom Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God to develop prudence. This involves prayer, studying Scripture, and learning from the experiences of others. Practical Discernment Applying discernment in daily life helps in making wise decisions. This includes evaluating situations, seeking counsel, and being cautious in uncertain circumstances. Responsibility for Actions Each person is responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow. Being prudent involves taking responsibility for one's choices and their potential impact. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:12?2. How can we identify danger like the "prudent" in Proverbs 27:12? 3. What steps can we take to "take cover" from spiritual threats? 4. How does Proverbs 27:12 connect with Ephesians 5:15-16 on wisdom? 5. In what ways can we avoid being "simple" and facing consequences? 6. How can Proverbs 27:12 guide our decision-making in daily life? 7. How does Proverbs 27:12 guide Christians in making wise decisions? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 27:12? 9. How does Proverbs 27:12 reflect the theme of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27? 11. What defines a living will? 12. What is the Bible's stance on medical marijuana? 13. Is tampon use wrong for Christian women? 14. Should Christians avoid Worldcoin's World ID initiative? What Does Proverbs 27:12 Mean The prudent see danger“The prudent see danger...” (Proverbs 27:12) • Prudence is the God-given ability to recognize threats before they strike. Proverbs 22:3, which repeats this proverb almost verbatim, confirms that spiritual alertness is a learned, practiced habit. • Scripture portrays the wise as watchful: Nehemiah posted guards while rebuilding the wall (Nehemiah 4:9), and Jesus urged His disciples to “keep watch” (Matthew 26:41). • Discerning danger includes more than physical threats; it involves moral, relational, and spiritual pitfalls (Proverbs 14:8; 1 Peter 5:8). • Wisdom literature never treats dangers as illusions; they are real, and prudence deals with reality head-on, confident that God’s Word is true and reliable (Psalm 19:7-11). and take cover “...and take cover...” • The prudent do something about what they see. Acting on truth is the hallmark of biblical wisdom (James 1:22). • “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1); taking cover means moving toward the Lord, not merely away from trouble. • Practical expressions of taking cover include: – Seeking counsel (Proverbs 11:14) – Establishing boundaries (Proverbs 4:23) – Choosing righteous companions (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Jesus compares the obedient listener to a man who built on rock, safe when storms hit (Matthew 7:24-25). but the simple keep going “...but the simple keep going...” • “Simple” in Proverbs describes the naïve—those undecided between wisdom and folly (Proverbs 1:22). • They “keep going” because they refuse to slow down, reflect, or submit to correction (Proverbs 9:13-18). • Their forward motion feels like freedom, yet it is directionless drift (Ephesians 4:14). and pay the penalty “...and pay the penalty.” • Consequences for ignoring warning signs are certain: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). • Penalty may appear in stages: – Natural outcomes (Proverbs 1:31) – Loss of reputation (Proverbs 6:33) – Divine discipline (Hebrews 12:6) • The ultimate penalty is separation from God when one continually rejects His wisdom (Matthew 7:26-27). summary Proverbs 27:12 teaches that wisdom is both perceptive and proactive. The prudent person, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, spots danger early and moves into the safety God provides. The simple, unwilling to heed warning or act, speed ahead and inevitably suffer. God calls every believer to cultivate prudence, take refuge in Him, and live securely under the protection of His unchanging truth. (12) A prudent man foreseeth the evil.--See above on Proverbs 22:3.Verse 12. - A repetition of Proverbs 22:3. The sentence is asyndeton.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The prudentעָר֤וּם (‘ā·rūm) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6175: Crafty, shrewd, sensible see רָאָ֣ה (rā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see danger רָעָ֣ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil and take cover; נִסְתָּ֑ר (nis·tār) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5641: To hide, conceal [but] the simple פְּ֝תָאיִ֗ם (pə·ṯā·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6612: Simple, perhaps open-minded keep going עָבְר֥וּ (‘ā·ḇə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on [and] pay the penalty. נֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ׃ (ne·‘ĕ·nā·šū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6064: To urge, to inflict a, penalty, to fine Links Proverbs 27:12 NIVProverbs 27:12 NLT Proverbs 27:12 ESV Proverbs 27:12 NASB Proverbs 27:12 KJV Proverbs 27:12 BibleApps.com Proverbs 27:12 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 27:12 Chinese Bible Proverbs 27:12 French Bible Proverbs 27:12 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man sees danger and takes (Prov. 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