Proverbs 14:8 kjv

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Proverbs 14:8 nkjv

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.

Proverbs 14:8 niv

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:8 esv

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.

Proverbs 14:8 nlt

The prudent understand where they are going,
but fools deceive themselves.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 8 Meaning

The wisdom of the discerning person is manifested in their careful understanding and examination of their life's path, seeking to navigate it uprightly. In contrast, the folly characteristic of foolish individuals leads them into self-deception and delusion, causing them to stray from a right course.

Proverbs 14 8 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 largely presents a series of contrasts between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, illustrating the tangible consequences of their differing attitudes and actions in daily life. It covers various aspects, including speech, conduct, finances, justice, and the ultimate outcomes of living according to wisdom or folly. Verse 8 succinctly encapsulates a core distinction: the wise are marked by deliberate foresight and self-awareness concerning their choices and trajectory, while fools are characterized by an inherent defect that blinds them to their own missteps and wrong judgments, often leading to ruin. This proverb underscores that true wisdom lies in actively discerning one's moral and practical path, whereas foolishness entails a perilous lack of self-perception and a proneness to harmful self-delusion. The historical and cultural context values careful deliberation and moral integrity, contrasting it with naive trust or self-aggrandizing behavior common in society.

Proverbs 14 8 Word analysis

• The wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah): Refers to practical skill, sound judgment, and sagacity in living. It is not mere intellectual knowledge but an applied understanding of how to navigate life according to divine principles.
• of the prudent (עָרוּם, arum): Signifies one who is shrewd, discerning, or clever. In this positive context, it denotes a person who thinks ahead, is circumspect, and demonstrates foresight. This contrasts with a negative usage often meaning cunning or crafty (e.g., the serpent in Gen 3:1), but here it's discernment applied rightly.
• is to understand (לָבִין, lavin): Implies gaining insight, discerning, or perceiving. It suggests a thorough, active, and discerning process of reflection rather than superficial acknowledgment.
• his way (דַּרְכּוֹ, darko): This is a widely used biblical metaphor referring to one's path, conduct, lifestyle, or moral course in life. It encompasses decisions, actions, and the direction one is headed. The prudent person actively comprehends where their actions are leading.
• but the folly (אִוֶּלֶת, iwwelet): Denotes foolishness, stupidity, or absurd behavior. It describes the inherent nature or state of being foolish, a pervasive characteristic that shapes one's decisions.
• of fools (כְּסִילִים, kesilim): Refers to an obstinate, spiritually dull, and morally perverse type of fool who rejects wisdom and knowledge, believing themselves to be right. Unlike the "simple" person who is merely inexperienced, the kesil actively resists correction.
• is deceit (מִרְמָה, mirmah): Implies treachery, fraud, or deception. In the context of the fool, it often points to self-deception and delusion—a false perception of reality or their own goodness that prevents them from seeing their errors. Their folly is deception, not just leads to it, indicating its pervasive nature.

• "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way": This phrase highlights the proactive and introspective nature of wisdom. The prudent individual does not merely stumble through life but carefully considers their actions, their trajectory, and the consequences. This involves self-assessment, reflection on past experiences, and thoughtful planning for the future, all informed by true knowledge and discernment. Their 'way' is under constant, careful review.
• "but the folly of fools is deceit": This contrasting phrase reveals the core problem of foolishness. For the fool, their very understanding is clouded by an internal deceit or delusion. They lack honest self-appraisal, are prone to believing their own lies, and misunderstand the true nature of reality or the consequences of their actions. This 'deceit' is inherent to their folly, making them incapable of "understanding their way" truly.

Proverbs 14 8 Bonus section

The "way" (derek) in Hebrew thought is often directly tied to moral conduct and destiny, not just a physical path. To "understand one's way" implies an alignment with God's ordained paths for righteousness and blessedness. The fool's "deceit" or delusion isolates them from divine guidance and objective truth, solidifying their dangerous course. This verse, like many proverbs, highlights not just a moral distinction but also a practical, experiential one—the wise secure a stable life through their foresight, while the foolish undermine their own future through their self-deceptive behavior. This dynamic underscores that genuine wisdom requires a humble spirit willing to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself, aligning closely with the "fear of the Lord" which is the foundation of all true wisdom.

Proverbs 14 8 Commentary

Proverbs 14:8 encapsulates a profound divergence between those who walk in wisdom and those who persist in folly. The wise person, characterized as "prudent," actively and deeply engages with their life's direction, constantly assessing their steps and understanding the consequences of their choices. This isn't passive knowledge but an active, continuous process of discerning and applying principles to their conduct. They strive to ensure their path aligns with righteousness and good outcomes. In stark contrast, the "folly of fools" is intrinsically "deceit." This doesn't primarily refer to the fool deceiving others, but rather to the pervasive self-deception that is central to their foolish nature. Their lack of discernment, refusal of instruction, and self-centered worldview creates an internal delusion that prevents them from accurately perceiving their own actions, motivations, or the inevitable negative trajectory they are on. This self-inflicted blindness leads them further into ruin, as they cannot correct a course they refuse to admit is wrong. The verse therefore champions self-awareness, critical self-assessment, and a humble pursuit of truth as hallmarks of wisdom.

• Example 1 (Wise): A wise student, after failing an exam, critically reviews their study habits, identifies weaknesses, and seeks guidance from their teacher to change their approach. They "understand their way" towards better results.
• Example 2 (Foolish): A foolish person, despite repeated failures in relationships, always blames others and never acknowledges their own negative patterns or attitudes, believing themselves to be always in the right. Their folly is their self-deception regarding their role in the conflicts.