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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_22_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:3 - A Good Name" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/22-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/22-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm" title="Proverbs 22:2">◄</a> Proverbs 22:3 <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm" title="Proverbs 22:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A prudent <i>man</i> foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A prudent <i>man</i> foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A prudent man sees evil and hides, But the simple pass on, and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A prudent <i>and</i> far-sighted <i>person</i> sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it], But the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it--be smart and hide. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Sensible people foresee trouble and hide [from it], but gullible people go ahead and suffer [the consequence].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The prudent has seen the evil, and is hidden, "" And the simple have passed on, and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The prudent hath seen the evil, and is hidden, And the simple have passed on, and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The crafty saw evil, and he will hide, and the simple passed on and were punished.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The prudent man saw the evil, and hid himself: the simple passed on, and suffered loss. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The clever saw evil and hid himself. The innocent continued on and was afflicted with damage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The astute see an evil and hide, while the naive continue on and pay the penalty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A prudent man sees an evil man scourged and is greatly instructed by it; but fools pass by and suffer loss.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A prudent one sees an evil man being scourged and is powerfully instructed, but fools pass by him and suffer damage.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the thoughtless pass on, and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />An intelligent man seeing a bad man severely punished is himself instructed, but fools pass by and are punished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4394" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">A Good Name</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6175.htm" title="6175: ‘ā·rūm (Adj-ms) -- Crafty, shrewd, sensible. Passive participle of aram; cunning.">The prudent</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">danger</a> <a href="/hebrew/5641.htm" title="5641: wə·yis·så̄·ṯēr (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide, literally or figuratively.">and take cover,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6612.htm" title="6612: ū·p̄ə·ṯā·yîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Simple, perhaps open-minded. Or pethiy; or pthaeiy; from pathah; silly.">but the simple</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ā·ḇə·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">keep going</a> <a href="/hebrew/6064.htm" title="6064: wə·ne·‘ĕ·nā·šū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fine, mulct. A primitive root; properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine.">and suffer the consequences.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Proverbs 27:12</a></span><br />The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Luke 14:28-32</a></span><br />Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, / saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a></span><br />So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Hebrews 11:7</a></span><br />By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-11.htm">2 Corinthians 2:11</a></span><br />in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:14</a></span><br />The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-20.htm">Isaiah 26:20</a></span><br />Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-33.htm">Genesis 41:33-36</a></span><br />Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. / Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. / Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-20.htm">Exodus 9:20-21</a></span><br />Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, / but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.</p><p class="hdg">prudent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></b></br> A wise <i>man</i> feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Proverbs 27:12</a></b></br> A prudent <i>man</i> foreseeth the evil, <i>and</i> hideth himself; <i>but</i> the simple pass on, <i>and</i> are punished.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/9-20.htm">Exodus 9:20,21</a></b></br> He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: … </p><p class="hdg">the simple</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Proverbs 7:7,22,23</a></b></br> And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Proverbs 9:16-18</a></b></br> Whoso <i>is</i> simple, let him turn in hither: and <i>as for</i> him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></b></br> He, that being often reproved hardeneth <i>his</i> neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Foreseeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Hides</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/psalms/148-6.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Punished</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Foreseeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Hides</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-15.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Punished</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-25.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical times, prudence was highly valued as it demonstrated an ability to foresee potential problems and act accordingly. The concept of seeing danger and taking cover can be likened to the wisdom of Joseph in <a href="/genesis/41.htm">Genesis 41</a>, who prepared Egypt for the coming famine. This phrase emphasizes the importance of foresight and the willingness to act on it, a principle that is echoed in Jesus' teachings about being watchful and prepared (<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a>).<p><b>but the simple keep going</b><br>The "simple" are those who lack wisdom and discernment, often characterized by naivety or foolishness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, simplicity was not merely a lack of intelligence but a failure to apply knowledge in a practical way. This phrase suggests a disregard for warning signs and a tendency to proceed without caution. The simple are contrasted with the prudent, highlighting a recurring theme in Proverbs: the consequences of ignoring wisdom. This is reminiscent of the parable of the ten virgins in <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>, where the foolish virgins fail to prepare for the bridegroom's arrival.<p><b>and suffer the consequences</b><br>The consequences mentioned here are the natural results of ignoring wisdom and failing to heed warnings. In the historical context, this could refer to physical danger, financial ruin, or moral failure. The Bible often illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>), where actions have inevitable outcomes. This phrase serves as a warning that ignoring wisdom leads to suffering, a theme that is consistent throughout Scripture. The consequences faced by the simple can be seen as a form of divine justice, where God allows individuals to experience the results of their choices, much like the Israelites faced consequences for their disobedience throughout their history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prudent.htm">The Prudent</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who are wise, discerning, and able to foresee potential dangers or challenges. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (arum), which implies shrewdness or craftiness in a positive sense.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple.htm">The Simple</a></b><br>These are individuals who lack foresight and discernment. The Hebrew word (pethi) suggests naivety or simplicity, often leading to poor decision-making.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/danger.htm">Danger</a></b><br>This represents any form of threat, risk, or adverse situation that one might encounter in life. It is not a specific event but a general concept of potential harm.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/taking_cover.htm">Taking Cover</a></b><br>This action signifies the response of the prudent to avoid or mitigate danger. It involves making wise decisions to protect oneself.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/suffering_the_consequences.htm">Suffering the Consequences</a></b><br>This is the result of the simple ignoring danger, leading to negative outcomes or harm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_prudence.htm">The Value of Prudence</a></b><br>Prudence is a valuable trait that allows individuals to foresee potential dangers and take appropriate actions to avoid them. It is a form of wisdom that is highly esteemed in Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_simplicity.htm">Consequences of Simplicity</a></b><br>Ignoring potential dangers due to naivety or lack of discernment can lead to suffering and negative outcomes. It is crucial to develop discernment to navigate life's challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wisdom.htm">Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who provides generously. This wisdom helps in making prudent decisions and avoiding unnecessary harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_foresight.htm">Practical Foresight</a></b><br>In daily life, being aware of potential risks and planning accordingly is a practical application of this proverb. It involves being proactive rather than reactive.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Beyond physical dangers, spiritual discernment is necessary to avoid moral and spiritual pitfalls. This involves being attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_bad_company_harm_character.htm">How does bad company affect good character?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_christians_buy_insurance.htm">Should Christians purchase insurance policies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_weather_close_the_church.htm">Should weather conditions cause a church to close?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_people_resist_wicked_rulers.htm">Why does “when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding” (Proverbs 28:12) conflict with historical examples where oppressed individuals publicly resist unjust rulers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself,</span> as the Israelites hid themselves within their houses from the destroying angel, Noah within the Ark, the Christians before the fall of Jerusalem (<a href="/luke/21-21.htm" title="Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the middle of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.">Luke 21:21</a>) in Pella. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/26-20.htm" title="Come, my people, enter you into your chambers, and shut your doors about you: hide yourself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over.">Isaiah 26:20</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A prudent man foresesth the evil, and hideth himself.</span> The whole verse is repeated in <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Proverbs 27:12</a>. St. Jerome has <span class="accented">callidus</span>, and the LXX. has <span class="greek">πανοῦργος</span>, <span class="accented">as</span> the translation of <span class="hebrew">עָרוּם</span> (<span class="accented">arum</span>); but it must be taken in a good sense, as cautions, farseeing, prudent (see note on Proverbs 1:4) Such a man looks around, takes warning from little circumstances which might escape the observation of careless persons, and provides for his safety in good time. Thus the Christians at the siege of Jerusalem, believing Christ's warnings, retired to Pella, and wine saved. A Spanish proverb runs, "That which the fool does in the end, the wise man does at the beginning." <span class="cmt_word">The simple pass on, and are punished.</span> The subject of the former hemistich is in the singular number, for a really prudent man is a comparatively rare bring; the second clause is plural, teaching us, as Hitzig observes, that many simple ones are found for one prudent. These silly persons, blundering blindly on their way, without circumspection or forethought, meet with immediate punishment, incur dangers, suffer less. A Cornish proverb runs, "He who will not be ruled by the rudder must be ruled by the rock." Septuagint, "An intelligent man (<span class="greek">πανοῦργος</span>) seeing a wicked man punished is himself forcibly instructed; but fools pass by, and are punished" (comp. <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Proverbs 21:11</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The prudent</span><br /><span class="heb">עָר֤וּם ׀</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6175.htm">Strong's 6175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crafty, shrewd, sensible</span><br /><br /><span class="word">see</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">danger</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and take cover,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִסְתָּ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nis·tār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5641.htm">Strong's 5641: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the simple</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝פְתָיִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ə·ṯā·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6612.htm">Strong's 6612: </a> </span><span class="str2">Simple, perhaps open-minded</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep going</span><br /><span class="heb">עָבְר֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ḇə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and suffer the consequences.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽנֶעֱנָֽשׁוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ne·‘ĕ·nā·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6064.htm">Strong's 6064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To urge, to inflict a, penalty, to fine</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man sees danger and hides (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>