Proverbs 14:16
Proverbs 14:16 in Multiple Translations
A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.
The wise man, fearing, keeps himself from evil; but the foolish man goes on in his pride, with no thought of danger.
Wise people are careful and avoid evil, but stupid people are confidently reckless.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from euill: but a foole rageth, and is carelesse.
The wise is fearing and turning from evil, And a fool is transgressing and is confident.
A wise man fears and shuns evil, but the fool is hot headed and reckless.
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
A wise man feareth and declineth from evil: the fool leapeth over and is confident.
Wise people are careful and avoid doing things that will give them trouble; foolish people are careless and act ◄too quickly/without thinking►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:16
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 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָכָ֣ם
יָ֭רֵא
וְ/סָ֣ר
מֵ/רָ֑ע
וּ֝/כְסִ֗יל
מִתְעַבֵּ֥ר
וּ/בוֹטֵֽחַ
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
יָ֭רֵא
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
V-Qal
וְ/סָ֣ר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Qal
מֵ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
וּ֝/כְסִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Conj | Adj
מִתְעַבֵּ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Hithpael
וּ/בוֹטֵֽחַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Conj | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:16
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
יָ֭רֵא
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
V-Qal
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/סָ֣ר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Qal
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֵ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וּ֝/כְסִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
מִתְעַבֵּ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Hithpael
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וּ/בוֹטֵֽחַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Conj | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:16
Context — The Wise Woman
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. 18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:3 | The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:14 | Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. |
| 5 | Proverbs 29:9 | If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. |
| 6 | Genesis 42:18 | and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: |
| 7 | Job 31:21–23 | if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be torn from its socket. For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 20:10–11 | Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.” And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” |
| 9 | Genesis 33:9 | “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 16:17 | The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. |
Proverbs 14:16 Summary
[This verse teaches us that being wise means respecting God and avoiding things that are bad for us. It's like when you know something is not good for you, so you stay away from it. The Bible says in Psalm 37:27 to turn from evil and do good, and in Proverbs 8:13, it says to fear the Lord and turn away from evil. By choosing to fear God and turn from evil, we can experience God's blessing and protection in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear and turn from evil in Proverbs 14:16?
This means to have a deep respect for God and His ways, recognizing the danger of sin and actively choosing to avoid it, as seen in Psalm 34:14 and Proverbs 8:13.
How can I know if I am being careless and reckless like a fool in this verse?
If you find yourself consistently disregarding God's warnings and commands, such as in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, and ignoring the consequences of your actions, you may be acting like a fool in Proverbs 14:16.
Is being wise and fearing God only about avoiding evil, or is there more to it?
While avoiding evil is an important part of wisdom, it is not the only aspect - wisdom also involves actively seeking and following God's good and perfect will, as seen in Romans 12:2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does Proverbs 14:16 relate to my everyday life and the decisions I make?
This verse reminds us that our daily choices have consequences, and by choosing to fear God and turn from evil, we can experience God's blessing and protection, as promised in Proverbs 2:7-8 and Psalm 91:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be careless and reckless, and how can I begin to make changes to align with God's wisdom?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of God, recognizing His holiness and power, and what role does this play in my decision-making?
- In what ways can I actively turn from evil and seek God's good and perfect will in my life, and what scripture references can guide me in this pursuit?
- What are some potential consequences of being careless and reckless, and how can I learn from the examples of others in the Bible who have made similar choices?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:16
A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil,.... He fears God, and is careful not to offend him; wherefore he departs from sin, stands at a distance from it, abstains from all appearance of it;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
Feareth; trembleth at God’ s judgments, when they are either inflicted or threatened. From evil; from sin, which is the procuring cause of all calamities. Rageth; fretteth against God, or is enraged against his messengers who bring the threatening, or disquieteth himself in vain or, transgresseth, as this verb in its simple form and first conjugation commonly signifies; or, goeth on in sin constantly and resolutely, according to the emphasis which this conjugation commonly adds to the simple verb. And this is most fitly opposed to departing from evil; as being confident is opposed to fearing. Is confident; secure and insensible of his danger till God’ s judgments overtake him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
Proverbs 14:16 A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.Ver. 16. A wise man feareth and departeth from evil.] He trembleth at the judgments while they hang in the threatenings, meets God with entreaties of peace, and so redeems his own sorrows. Solo auditu contremisco, saith Jerome, speaking of that terrible text, Ezekiel 16:42 : "I tremble at the very hearing of it." So Erasmus, repeating those words, "His blood will I require at thy hands"; these, saith he, are fulmina, non verba - not words, but thunderbolts. A good child, if but threatened only, will amend his fault; yea, if he but hear others threatened. Daniel was more troubled than Nebuchadnezzar was. Habakkuk, when in a vision he saw the judgments of God that were to come upon the Chaldeans, it made his very heart to ache and quake within him. But the fool rageth and is confident.] Some render it "rangeth and is confident," transit et confidit - so the Vulgate and the original will well enough bear it - he passeth on from sin to sin like a madman, and yet persuades himself that all shall do well. Such a desperate fool was Balaam, though the angel met him with a drawn sword, yet he would needs on; and what was the issue? He died by the sword of Israel, though he seemed a friend to Israel. Not to be warned is both a just presage, and desert, of ruin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
(16) A wise man feareth.—(Comp. Proverbs 3:7.) The fool rageth.—Gives way to passionate excitement, and “is confident” in his own wisdom; he has no “quietness and confidence” (Isaiah 30:15) in God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
Verse 16. A wise man feareth] He can never trust in himself, though he be satisfied from himself. He knows that his suffiency is of GOD; and he has that fear that causes him to depart from evil, which is a guardian to the love he feels. Love renders him cautious; the other makes him confident. His caution leads him from sin; his confidence leads him to God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:16
16. rageth] Or, beareth himself insolently, R.V. The rendering however, rageth, or loses his temper, is borne out by Psalms 78:21; Psalms 78:59, where both A.V. and R.V. render the same Heb. word, was wroth.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:16
16. The fool rageth, and is confident — Or, is haughty and confident, and so presses on to the evil which the wise man avoids.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Covering by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience if they have enough strength to face the challenges and temptations of the world. He emphasizes the importance of counting |
|
|
I Am the Lord That Heals You by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of getting right with God, addressing areas of sin and disobedience in our lives. It highlights the need to surrender to God, seek forgiveness |
|
The Stumbling Block of Viewing Things From a Human Point of View by Ian Robson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in spiritually, urging listeners to recognize the signs of the times and not be blind or short-sighted. It hig |
|
Purity - Your Past Doesn't Scare God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes that our past does not intimidate God, encouraging believers to rise above discouragement and defeat. He highlights the destructive nature of sexual sin, p |
|
Prophetic Call to Practical Preparation by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delivers a prophetic sermon addressing the signs of impending disasters and the importance of the Church's role in preparing for the tribulation period. He emphasizes |
|
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 4. Love Is a Many-Splendoured Thing by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the true meaning of love as described in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding the different levels of love - eros, philia |
|
War on Earth - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the manifestations and effects of demonic influence in our lives, such as anger, defilement, torture, compulsion, enslavement, and weakness. It emphasizes t |