What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:15? The simple man believes every word Proverbs 14:15 opens with a gentle warning: “The simple man believes every word”. • “Simple” describes the person who has not trained himself to discern. Proverbs 1:22 asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways?” The naïve heart is open to anything, whether truth or deception. • In everyday life that looks like – Accepting rumors as fact – Clicking “share” on every headline – Swallowing any spiritual claim without comparing it to Scripture • God’s Word urges caution. 1 John 4:1 says, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” When discernment is lacking, error slips in, hearts are misled, and faith is weakened (Ephesians 4:14). but the prudent man watches his steps The second half contrasts the wise response: “but the prudent man watches his steps”. • Prudence is practical wisdom in action. Proverbs 22:3 notes, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” They pause, evaluate, and move only when the path aligns with truth. • How does a believer “watch his steps”? – Measure every idea against clear Scripture, like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). – Seek counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). – Consider consequences before acting, imitating Ephesians 5:15: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” – Pray for discernment; James 1:5 promises God gives wisdom generously. • Such careful living protects from stumbling, preserves testimony, and keeps the believer in step with the Lord (Psalm 119:105). summary Proverbs 14:15 draws a sharp line between gullibility and discernment. The untrained heart absorbs whatever it hears, while the prudent heart filters every word through God’s truth and walks carefully. Scripture calls us to cultivate that prudent mindset, testing teachings, weighing choices, and stepping only where the Lord’s light shines. |
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