Proverbs 14:15
Proverbs 14:15 in Multiple Translations
The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The simple man has faith in every word, but the man of good sense gives thought to his footsteps.
Stupid people believe whatever they're told, but sensible people think about what they're doing.
The foolish will beleeue euery thing: but the prudent will consider his steppes.
The simple giveth credence to everything, And the prudent attendeth to his step.
A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
The innocent believeth every word: the discreet man considereth his steps. No good shall come to the deceitful son: but the wise servant shall prosper in his dealings, and his way shall be made straight.
Foolish people believe everything that people tell them; those who have good sense think carefully about what will be the result of their actions.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּ֭תִי
יַאֲמִ֣ין
לְ/כָל
דָּבָ֑ר
וְ֝/עָר֗וּם
יָבִ֥ין
לַ/אֲשֻׁרֽ/וֹ
פֶּ֭תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-ms
יַאֲמִ֣ין
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
וְ֝/עָר֗וּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Conj | Adj
יָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לַ/אֲשֻׁרֽ/וֹ
ʼâshur
H838
step
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:15
פֶּ֭תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
יַאֲמִ֣ין
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וְ֝/עָר֗וּם
ʻârûwm
H6175
"prudent"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for being prudent or cunning, often in a negative sense. It appears in Proverbs 12:16 and 12:23, warning against deceitful behavior. This idea is also found in Genesis 3:1, describing the serpent's cleverness.
Definition: 1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible 1a) crafty 1b) shrewd, sensible, prudent
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crafty, prudent, subtil. See also: Genesis 3:1; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 12:16.
יָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
לַ/אֲשֻׁרֽ/וֹ
ʼâshur
H838
"step"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for step refers to the act of walking or going. It is used in the Bible to describe movement or progress, as seen in the story of Jacob's ladder in Genesis. This word is translated as going or step in the KJV.
Definition: step, going Also means: a.shur (אַשֻּׁר "step" H0838B)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: going, step. See also: Job 23:11; Psalms 37:31; Psalms 17:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:15
Context — The Wise Woman
13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.
14The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.
15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
16A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. 17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:17 | Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:8 | The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. |
| 3 | 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:12 | The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:26 | Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. |
| 6 | Ephesians 4:14 | Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. |
| 7 | Romans 16:18–19 | For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. |
| 8 | Proverbs 22:3 | The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. |
| 9 | Acts 13:7 | an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. |
| 10 | Amos 5:13 | Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. |
Proverbs 14:15 Summary
[This verse is saying that some people are very trusting and believe everything they hear, but wise people are more careful and think before they act, as we see in Proverbs 14:15. It's like the difference between someone who jumps into a situation without thinking, and someone who takes their time and considers what might happen, as in Proverbs 21:5. We should strive to be like the prudent man, seeking wisdom from God and being thoughtful in our actions, as in James 1:5. By being more discerning and wise, we can avoid many problems and make better choices in life, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a simple man in Proverbs 14:15?
The simple man in this verse refers to someone who is naive or gullible, lacking discernment and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 22:3, where it says the naive turn away from evil, but the prudent see danger and take refuge.
How can I become a prudent man like in Proverbs 14:15?
To become a prudent man, one must seek wisdom and discernment from God, as stated in James 1:5, where it says if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to them.
What is the difference between the simple man and the prudent man in this verse?
The simple man believes everything he hears, while the prudent man is cautious and thoughtful in his actions, as also seen in Proverbs 12:16, where the prudent man ignores an insult, but a fool takes offense at it.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us to be cautious and discerning in our daily interactions, not believing everything we hear, and to seek wisdom from God, as in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and He will make your paths straight.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of being prudent in my own life, and how can I balance being wise with being loving and open to others?
- How can I discern when to trust someone or something, and when to be more cautious, according to biblical principles?
- In what ways do I tend to be like the simple man, believing everything I hear, and how can I grow in discernment and wisdom?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to be more careful and watch my steps, and how can I seek God's guidance in these areas?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word,.... Every thing that is said to him every story that is told him, and every promise that is made him; and so is easily imposed upon, and drawn in to his hurt: every
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. The simple believeth every word - whether, true or false, useful or injurious.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
The simple, either the harmless man, or rather a foolish man, because he is opposed to the prudent, believeth every word; is easily deceived with the smooth words and fair pretences of false and deceitful men. To his going; either, 1. To his own going, as this is generally understood; he ordereth his conversation and dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do. Or, 2. To the going of the deceiver, whose the word in the former clause is supposed to be. So the sense is, He judgeth of men’ s words and professions by their conversation; which is a good rule,
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.Ver. 15. The simple believeth every word.] You may draw him any way with a wet finger, persuade him to anything, as Rehoboam, that old baby. Nηφεκαιμεμνησοαπιστειν, was a very good rule of Epicharmus. Be not light of belief; try before you trust; look before you leap. Alioqui saliens antequam videas, casurus es antequam debeas, Wisdom would, that as men should not be too censorious ("This man blasphemeth," said they of our Saviour), so neither too credulous, as the giddy headed Galatians were to their seducing doctors; - "I wonder that ye are so soon removed," &c. Let us leave to the Papists Ministrorum muta officia, populi caeca obsequia - their ministers’ dumb services, their people’ s blind obediences; and ever count it a singular folly to take men’ s bare authority in matters of faith, and not to "prove the spirits whether they are of God," as those "noble" Bereans did, and are worthily renowned for it. But the prudent man looketh well to his goings.] He looketh not so much what others believe, or not believe, do or not do, as what he is bound to believe or do. He pins not his faith to another man’ s sleeve; he frames not his pace by another man’ s practice, but walks by line and by rule, treads gingerly, steps warily, lifts not up one foot till he finds sure footing for the other, as those [of] Psalms 35:6. This is to "walk exactly, accurately, not fools, but as wise." Bern. de bono desert. ακριβως
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
(15) The simple.—See above on Proverbs 1:22. Believeth every word.—And so, having no fixed principles by which to go, often takes a wrong step; while the prudent man considers well (Proverbs 14:8) whither each step will lead, and therefore does not go astray.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:15
Simple - In the bad sense (compare Proverbs 1:22).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:15
15. Every word — Or, every thing. He is over credulous. Looketh well to his going — Is observant of his steps, looks well where he puts his foot, and does not place it anywhere until he is sure of his footing.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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Introduction by J. Vyrnwy Morgan | J. Vyrnwy Morgan delves into the history and impact of revivals, emphasizing the need for discernment in evaluating their authenticity and lasting effects. He explores the various |
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Faith and Fiction by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between faith and credulity, illustrating that while they may appear similar, their effects are fundamentally different. True faith is charact |
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Religious News by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual edification rather than being consumed by the gossip and news-mongering prevalent in the religious world. He caution |
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Homily 6 by Clement of Rome | Clement meets Appion in Tyre, where Appion begins to discuss the false accusations he made against the gods, claiming they were allegorical and not to be taken literally. Appion pr |
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Communication of Our Faith - Part 5 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a dedicated and serious follower of God. He describes a true believer as someone who is not just superficially engag |