New Living Translation
Proverbs 14:8
8The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
Context of Proverbs 14:8
6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. 7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. 9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. 10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share 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 what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
- Proverbs 8:20I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice.
- Psalms 111:10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!
- Psalms 119:5Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
- Psalms 143:8Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
- Ephesians 5:17Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
- Colossians 1:9So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.
- 2 Timothy 3:15You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
- James 3:13If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
- Proverbs 11:18Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.
- Jeremiah 13:20Open up your eyes and see the armies marching down from the north! Where is your flock— your beautiful flock— that he gave you to care for?
- Luke 12:19And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
- Ephesians 4:22throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
- 2 Timothy 3:13But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be 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
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