Proverbs 14:18
Proverbs 14:18 in Multiple Translations
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Foolish behaviour is the heritage of the simple, but men of good sense are crowned with knowledge.
The inheritance of stupid people is stupidity, but sensible people are rewarded with knowledge.
The foolish do inherite follie: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The simple have inherited folly, And the prudent are crowned [with] knowledge.
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
The childish shall possess folly, and the prudent, shall look for knowledge.
Foolish people get what they deserve for doing foolish things; those with good sense are rewarded [MET] by being able to learn a lot.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:18
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 14:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נָחֲל֣וּ
פְתָאיִ֣ם
אִוֶּ֑לֶת
וַֽ֝/עֲרוּמִ֗ים
יַכְתִּ֥רוּ
דָֽעַת
נָחֲל֣וּ
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פְתָאיִ֣ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-mp
אִוֶּ֑לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
וַֽ֝/עֲרוּמִ֗ים
ʻârûwm
H6175
prudent
Conj | Adj
יַכְתִּ֥רוּ
kâthar
H3803
to surround
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:18
נָחֲל֣וּ
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
פְתָאיִ֣ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
N-mp
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.
אִוֶּ֑לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
וַֽ֝/עֲרוּמִ֗ים
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.
יַכְתִּ֥רוּ
kâthar
H3803
"to surround"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To surround something means to enclose or crown it, like when God surrounds his people with protection in Psalm 139:5.
Definition: 1) to surround 1a) (Piel) to surround 1b) (Hiphil) to surround, encircle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: beset round, compass about, be crowned inclose round, suffer. See also: Judges 20:43; Psalms 142:8; Psalms 22:13.
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:18
Context — The Wise Woman
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.
19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 1:18 | For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, |
| 2 | 1 Peter 5:4 | And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 44:17 | Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:35 | The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame. |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:8 | From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 16:19 | O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all. |
| 7 | Daniel 12:3 | Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. |
| 8 | Proverbs 11:29–30 | He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. |
| 9 | Matthew 23:29–32 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:7–9 | Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.” |
Proverbs 14:18 Summary
This verse means that people who are naive or lacking in discernment will end up making foolish decisions, but those who are careful and wise will be rewarded with a deep understanding of God's ways, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 119:66. Being prudent means being careful and thoughtful in our decisions, and seeking wisdom from God's Word. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for our lives and make better choices, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. As we seek wisdom and knowledge, we will be crowned with a deeper understanding of God's love and plan for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'simple' in Proverbs 14:18?
To be simple in this context means to be naive or lacking in discernment, as seen in Proverbs 1:22, where it says 'How long will you simple ones love simplicity?'
How do the prudent become 'crowned with knowledge'?
The prudent become crowned with knowledge by fearing the Lord and turning from evil, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 14:16, and by seeking wisdom through God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:66
Is it possible for someone who is currently simple to become prudent?
Yes, it is possible for someone who is simple to become prudent by seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as seen in Proverbs 1:22-33, where it says 'Turn to my rebuke, then I will pour out my spirit to you, and make my words known to you'
What is the significance of being 'crowned with knowledge'?
Being crowned with knowledge signifies a high level of understanding and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 4:7-9, where it says 'Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding' and in 2 Timothy 2:15, where it says 'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting in simplicity, and how can I seek wisdom to become more prudent?
- How can I balance being cautious and prudent with taking bold steps of faith, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- In what ways can I seek knowledge and wisdom from God's Word, and how can I apply it to my everyday life, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4?
- What are some potential consequences of remaining simple and naive, and how can I avoid them, as warned in Proverbs 1:22-33?
- How can I use the knowledge and wisdom I have received to bless and serve others, as encouraged in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Peter 4:10-11?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:18
The simple inherit folly,.... It is natural and hereditary to them, they are born like wild asses colts; the foolish sayings and proverbs, customs and practices, of their ancestors, though they have
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:18
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The simple inherit folly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
Inherit folly; they possess it as their inheritance or portion, holding it fast, improving it, delighting and glorying in it. In like manner David took God’ s testimonies for his heritage, , where the word is the same; withal he may imply that folly is natural and hereditary to them. Are crowned with knowledge; they place their honour and happiness in a sound, and practical, and saving knowledge of God, and of their own duty, and therefore earnestly pursue after it, and heartily embrace it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.Ver. 18. The simple inherit folly.] Acceperunt per successionem seu haereditario iure, so one renders it; they are as wise as their forefathers, and they are resolved to be no wiser. Me ex ea opinione quam a maioribus accepi de cultu deorum, nullius unquam movebit oratio, said Cicero; I will never forsake that way of divine service that I have received from my forefathers, for any man’ s pleasure, or by any man’ s persuasion. The monarch of Morocco told the English ambassador for King John that he had recently read St Paul’ s epistles, which he liked so well, that were he now to choose his religion he would, before any other, embrace Christianity. But everyone ought, saith he, to die in the religion received from his ancestors, and the leaving of the faith wherein he was born was the only thing that he disliked in that apostle. But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.] They know that dies diem docet: and therefore are not so wedded to their old principles, superstitions, and fopperies, but that they can, as right reason requires, relinquish and abjure them, glorifying the word, and "receiving the truth in love," whereby it soon comes to pass, that they get "good repute and report of all men, as Demetrius had, yea, and of the truth itself," which is the crown of all commendation, Haud velim Erasmi gloria aut nomine vehi, saith Luther: I care not to be praised as Erasmus is, &c. Heyl. Geog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
(18) The simple inherit folly.—As weeds spring up in unoccupied soil, so “simple” (Proverbs 1:22) persons, whose minds are unoccupied with good, often become self-willed; while the knowledge which the “prudent” gain by looking well to their steps (Proverbs 14:15) adorns them as a crown.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:18
Crowned - The teacher anticipates the truth, and the paradox, of the Stoic saying, “The wise is the only king.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:18
18. Inherit — Not specifically; rather, acquire, get, gain. Folly is their acquisition. Are crowned with knowledge — Acquire a crown of knowledge; knowledge attained is their glory, ornament, and power.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire. |
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At the Price of God's Own Blood by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of holiness, zeal for good works, and commitment to world evangelization. He highlights that Jesus bled and died to purc |
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(1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how |
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(Hebrews - Part 27): The Blood of Infinite Value by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of standing back from a painting to understand the passage being discussed. He emphasizes that sin leads to death and that when a perso |
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(Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G |
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God Has Spoken by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressive learning in the Christian faith. He discusses two key lessons that believers must learn: the consciousness of t |
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What Think Ye of Christ by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a sinking ship and a lifeboat to illustrate different responses to Jesus Christ. He describes various individuals on the sinking shi |