Proverbs 14:16 kjv

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

Proverbs 14:16 nkjv

A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.

Proverbs 14:16 niv

The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

Proverbs 14:16 esv

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Proverbs 14:16 nlt

The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 16 Meaning

A truly wise individual, informed by divine reverence and insight, approaches life with discerning caution. Such a person fears the harmful consequences and moral pitfalls of evil, prompting them to actively turn away from wickedness. In stark contrast, the foolish individual is marked by reckless overconfidence and self-assurance, leading them to be impulsively bold or audacious in situations where prudence is required, often plunging heedlessly into danger or sin without proper regard for consequences.

Proverbs 14 16 Context

Proverbs 14 forms part of a larger collection of pithy, instructional sayings known as "Solomon's Proverbs" (chapters 10-22). This chapter specifically delineates sharp contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, and the positive and negative consequences of their respective paths and decisions. It covers various aspects of life, including family, leadership, wealth, speech, and moral character. Proverbs 14:16 directly contributes to this theme by illustrating a fundamental difference in how wise and foolish individuals approach potential evil or danger—one with humble circumspection, the other with arrogant impetuosity. Historically, the wisdom tradition in Israel aimed to impart practical righteousness and discerning judgment, contrasting sharply with the often chaotic or anthropocentric views of neighboring pagan cultures that lacked the distinct ethical monotheism of Israel. This verse implicitly stands against the casual disregard for moral boundaries that might have been common, affirming that true wisdom is rooted in the "fear of the LORD" which demands active separation from evil.

Proverbs 14 16 Word analysis

• A wise man (חכם - chakham): This refers not merely to intellectual acumen, but to practical wisdom that leads to right living and sound judgment. It's an understanding rooted in the fear of the Lord, enabling discerning between good and evil and choosing life-affirming paths.
• fears (ירא - yare): More than simple dread, this term encompasses a reverential awe, respect, and deep understanding of the serious implications of evil and its ultimate source (God's judgment). This 'fear' produces a powerful motivating force to avoid anything contrary to God's will and brings a caution to one's steps.
• and departs from evil (וְסָר מֵרָע - ve'sar mera): The verb סור (sur) implies an active turning away, a conscious avoidance, a drawing back. רע (ra) signifies wickedness, moral wrong, harm, or disaster. The wise person's fear is not passive but leads to proactive separation from harmful paths or deeds.
• but a fool (וְכֶסִיל - ve'khesil): The כסיל (kesil) is not just ignorant, but morally foolish and stubborn, one who resists instruction, mocks sin, and whose choices often lead to self-destruction. This fool is confident in his own perception, unwilling to learn from errors.
• rages and is confident (מִתְקַבֵּר וּבֹטֵחַ - mitqaber u'voteyakh):
  • מִתְקַבֵּר (mitqaber): This is a rare and debated form. While קבר (qabar) often means "to bury," in this Hitpael conjugation (often reflexive or intensive-reflexive), it suggests a "puffed up" or "bold/presumptuous" state. Modern scholarship largely interprets it as acting arrogantly, rashly, or being overconfident/impetuous, pushing past limits. Older translations sometimes rendered it as "rage," "be hot," or "be violent," but the sense of unwarranted confidence or boldness is strongly favored as it fits the parallel "is confident" and contrasts directly with "fears."
  • וּבֹטֵחַ (u'voteyakh): From בטח (batach), meaning "to trust," "to be confident," "to be secure." In this context, it describes the fool's misplaced or false sense of security, relying on their own faulty judgment or perceived immunity to consequence, leading them into dangerous situations without circumspection.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • A wise man fears, and departs from evil: This phrase encapsulates practical piety. The inner disposition of godly fear directly manifests in the external action of avoiding evil. Wisdom here is shown as a moral safeguard, a preventative force.
  • but a fool rages and is confident: This depicts reckless impulsivity driven by self-deception. The fool’s outward arrogance (raging/being presumptuous) stems from an inward, ill-founded trust in self, rather than in God or discerning truth.

Proverbs 14 16 Bonus section

This verse highlights preventive wisdom. For the wise, foresight and caution are key attributes, stemming from their inner disposition. The wise understand that wisdom is not merely knowing what is right, but actively stepping away from what is wrong. This preventative stance is far more effective than trying to recover from folly's consequences. It is an active discipline of self-control and moral vigilance. For the fool, their boldness is a lack of wisdom, manifesting as moral insensitivity or an inability to accurately assess risk, especially spiritual and ethical risks. True freedom, in the biblical sense, comes not from reckless abandon but from the careful stewardship of one's choices, guided by godly fear.

Proverbs 14 16 Commentary

Proverbs 14:16 profoundly articulates the divergent paths and mindsets of the wise and the foolish, underscoring the critical role of the "fear of the Lord" in forming sound judgment and safe conduct. The wise individual, recognizing the insidious nature and destructive power of evil, cultivates a deep respect that naturally leads to avoidance. This fear is not a cowering dread, but a healthy reverence for God's holiness and an understanding of divine justice, prompting active discernment and moral circumspection. It manifests as foresight, careful consideration, and a willingness to withdraw from hazardous situations or temptations.

In stark contrast, the fool, lacking such divine reverence and often driven by pride, dismisses potential dangers. Their "overconfidence" is a spiritual blind spot, making them audaciously march into trouble, convinced of their own invincibility or cleverness. This headstrong attitude stems from a fundamental refusal to acknowledge the realities of sin, its consequences, and God's standards. The wise prevent destruction by avoiding evil; the fool invites it by recklessly rushing towards what is forbidden or dangerous.