English Standard Version
Proverbs 14:8
8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
Proverbs 14:8 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
- New International Version (NIV)The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
- New Living Translation (NLT)The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
Context of Proverbs 14:8
6A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. 7Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. 9Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance. 10The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
Read all of Proverbs 14Proverbs 14:8 word by word
חָכְמַ֣ת עָ֭רוּם הָבִ֣ין דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וְאִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים מִרְמָֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 14:8
- Proverbs 2:9Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
- Proverbs 8:20I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
- Psalms 111:10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Psalms 119:5Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
- Psalms 143:8Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
- Ephesians 5:17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Colossians 1:9And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- 2 Timothy 3:15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
- Proverbs 11:18The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
- Jeremiah 13:20"Lift up your eyes and see those who come from the north. Where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful flock?
- Luke 12:19And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."'
- Ephesians 4:22to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
- 2 Timothy 3:13while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Commentaries on Proverbs 14:8
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8Is to understand his way - Instead of הבין habin, to understand, הכין hachin, to Direct his way, is found in one MS. It makes a very good sense.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8The Hebrew counterpart to the Greek “Know thyself.” “The highest wisdom is for a person to understand his own way. The most extreme folly is self-deceit.” The word “deceit” may, however, involve fraud practiced upon others. The folly of fools shows itself then in their ceaseless effort to deceive.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8Verse 8 We are travellers, whose concern is, not to spy out wonders, but to get to their journey's end; to understand the rules we are to walk by, also the ends we are to walk toward. The bad man cheats himself, and goes on in his mistake.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. Appearances deceive the thoughtless, but the prudent discriminate.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 14:8
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 14
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries