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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 14:15 The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/14-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_14_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 14:15 - The Wise Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." /><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/14-15.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/14-15.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/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 15</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="/ad15.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/14-14.htm" title="Proverbs 14:14">◄</a> Proverbs 14:15 <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm" title="Proverbs 14:16">►</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/14.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/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The simple believeth every word: but the prudent <i>man</i> looketh well to his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The naive believes everything, But the sensible person considers his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The naive believes everything, But the prudent man considers his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The simple believes everything, But the prudent one discerns his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The naive <i>or</i> inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears, But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be stupid and believe all you hear; be smart and know where you are headed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A gullible person believes anything, but a sensible person watches his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A fool will believe anything; smart people watch their step. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />An unthinking person believes everything, but the prudent one thinks before acting. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A naive person believes everything, but the shrewd person discerns his steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple gives credence to everything, "" And the prudent attends to his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The simple giveth credence to everything, And the prudent attendeth to his step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The simple will believe to every word: and the prudent will understand to his going.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The innocent believeth every word: the discreet man considereth his steps. No good shall come to the deceitful son: but the wise servant shall prosper in his dealings, and his way shall be made straight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The innocent trust every word. The astute one considers his own steps. Nothing good will be for the deceitful son. But the wise servant shall act prosperously and his way will be set in order.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The naive believe everything, but the shrewd watch their steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple believe everything, but the clever consider their steps.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The simple man believes every word; but the prudent discerns between good and evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A child believes every word, and a cunning one distinguishes good from evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The thoughtless believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The simple believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-15.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=2648" 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/14.htm">The Wise Woman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6612.htm" title="6612: pe·ṯî (N-ms) -- Simple, perhaps open-minded. Or pethiy; or pthaeiy; from pathah; silly.">The simple man</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: ya·’ă·mîn (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To confirm, support. ">believes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">every</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">word,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6175.htm" title="6175: wə·‘ā·rūm (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Crafty, shrewd, sensible. Passive participle of aram; cunning.">but the prudent man</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: yā·ḇîn (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">watches</a> <a href="/hebrew/838.htm" title="838: la·’ă·šu·rōw (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Step, going. Or ashshur; from 'ashar in the sense of going; a step.">his steps.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.…<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="/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/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a></span><br />but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.<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="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a></span><br />But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a></span><br />Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14-15</a></span><br />But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a></span><br />See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a></span><br />Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</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="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.</p><p class="hdg">simple</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26</a></b></br> Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</a></b></br> A prudent <i>man</i> foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.</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="hdg">the prudent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a></b></br> The wisdom of the prudent <i>is</i> to understand his way: but the folly of fools <i>is</i> deceit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-13.htm">Amos 5:13</a></b></br> Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it <i>is</i> an evil time.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-7.htm">Acts 13:7</a></b></br> Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/14-21.htm">Attendeth</a> <a href="/1_john/5-10.htm">Believes</a> <a href="/job/39-24.htm">Believeth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-10.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/psalms/90-11.htm">Considers</a> <a href="/psalms/106-24.htm">Credence</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Heedeth</a> <a href="/psalms/138-6.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Sensible</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-8.htm">Step</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Attendeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Believes</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Believeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">Considers</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-9.htm">Credence</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Heedeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">Sensible</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Step</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">Thoughtless</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">A wise woman builds her house</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The simple man believes every word</b><br>This phrase highlights the characteristic of a "simple" person, often understood as someone who is naive or lacking discernment. In biblical context, simplicity is not merely about lack of intelligence but a lack of spiritual and moral insight. The simple person is easily swayed and accepts information without critical evaluation. This can be seen in the broader biblical narrative where the Israelites often fell into idolatry by following false prophets and deceptive words (<a href="/jeremiah/7-8.htm">Jeremiah 7:8</a>). The simplicity here is a warning against gullibility, which can lead to spiritual and moral downfall. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of communication, making discernment crucial in distinguishing truth from falsehood.<p><b>but the prudent man watches his steps</b><br>In contrast, the prudent man exercises caution and discernment. Prudence is a valued trait in biblical wisdom literature, often associated with foresight and careful consideration of one's actions. This is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</a>, where the prudent see danger and take refuge. The prudent man is not easily deceived because he evaluates and tests what he hears against the truth of God's Word. This reflects the biblical call to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (<a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a>). The imagery of "watching his steps" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to life, ensuring that one's path aligns with God's will. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of building one's life on the solid foundation of His teachings (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple_man.htm">The Simple Man</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the "simple" refers to someone who is naive or lacking in discernment. This person is easily swayed and tends to accept information without critical evaluation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prudent_man.htm">The Prudent Man</a></b><br>This individual is characterized by wisdom and discernment. The prudent person carefully considers their actions and the information they receive, making thoughtful decisions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. His teachings often contrast the wise and the foolish, encouraging the pursuit of wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical life skills and moral behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_is_key.htm">Discernment is Key</a></b><br>In a world filled with information, discernment is crucial. Believers are called to evaluate what they hear and see through the lens of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_wisdom_actively.htm">Seek Wisdom Actively</a></b><br>Wisdom is not passive. It requires active seeking and application. Engage with God's Word and seek His guidance in decision-making.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart_and_mind.htm">Guard Your Heart and Mind</a></b><br>Be cautious about what you allow to influence your thoughts and beliefs. Protect your heart by aligning it with biblical truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prudence_in_action.htm">Prudence in Action</a></b><br>Being prudent involves careful planning and consideration of consequences. Apply this in daily decisions, ensuring they align with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encourage_others_in_wisdom.htm">Encourage Others in Wisdom</a></b><br>As you grow in discernment, encourage others to do the same. Share insights and wisdom with those around you.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_sensationalism_in_media.htm">What defines sensationalism in media?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_marrying_an_alcoholic.htm">What does the Bible say about marrying a drug addict?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'gullible_women'_mean_biblically.htm">What does "gullible women" mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_marrying_addicts.htm">What does the Bible say about marrying a drug addict?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">The simple.--</span>See above on <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm" title="How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?">Proverbs 1:22</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Believeth every word.--</span>And so, having no fixed principles by which to go, often takes a wrong step; while the prudent man considers well (<a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm" title="The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.">Proverbs 14:8</a>) whither each step will lead, and therefore does not go astray.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The simple believeth every word.</span> "Simple" (<span class="accented">pethi</span>), the credulous person, open to all influences (<a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22</a>). The Vulgate has <span class="accented">innocens</span>, and the Septuagint <span class="greek">ἄκακος</span>; but the word is best taken in an unfavourable sense. The credulous fool believes all that he hears without proof or examination; having no fixed principles of his own, he is at the mercy of any adviser, and is easily led astray. Ecclus. 19:4, "He that is hasty to give credit is light minded, and he that sinneth (thus) shall offend against his own soul." It is often remarked how credulous are unbelievers in supernaturalism. They who refuse to credit the most assured facts of Christ's history will pin their faith on some philosophical theory or insufficiently supported opinion, and will bluster and contend in maintenance of a notion today which tomorrow will prove untenable and absurd. Many who despise the miraculous teaching of the Bible accept the follies and frauds of spiritualism (comp. <a href="/john/5-43.htm">John 5:43</a>). Hesiod, <span class="greek">Ἔργ</span>, 372 - <p><span class="greek">Πίστεις δ ἄρ τοι ὁμῶς καὶ ἀπιστίαι ὤλεσαν</span> <p><span class="accented">"Belief and unbelief alike are fatal."</span> Cato, 'Dist.,' 2:20 - <p><span class="foreign">"Noli tu quaedam referenti credere semper;<br />Exigua his tribuenda fides qui multa loquuntur.'</span> <span class="cmt_word">The prudent man looketh well to his going</span> (ver. 8); Vulgate, <span class="accented">Astutus considerat gressus suos.</span> The prudent man considers whither the advice given will lead him, always acts with deliberation. This maxim is attributed to Pythagoras - . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-15.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 simple [man]</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֭תִי</span> <span class="translit">(pe·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<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">believes</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאֲמִ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’ă·mîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּבָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the prudent man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝עָר֗וּם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·rūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">watches</span><br /><span class="heb">יָבִ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his steps.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַאֲשֻׁרֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·šu·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_838.htm">Strong's 838: </a> </span><span class="str2">Step, going</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:15 A simple man believes everything (Prov. 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