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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 14:16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/14-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/20_Pro_14_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 14:16 - The Wise Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/14-16.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/14-16.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 16</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="/ad1.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/14-15.htm" title="Proverbs 14:15">◄</a> Proverbs 14:16 <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm" title="Proverbs 14:17">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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 wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A wise <i>man</i> feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A wise <i>man</i> fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns away from evil, But a fool gets angry and <i>feels</i> secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, But the fool is arrogant and careless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Only a stupid fool is never cautious--so be extra careful and stay out of trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wise person is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is careless and overconfident. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Sensible people are careful to stay out of trouble, but stupid people are careless and act too quickly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The wise person fears and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and overconfident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is overconfident. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but the fool is arrogant and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A wise man fears and shuns evil, but the fool is hot headed and reckless. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The wise is fearing and turning from evil, "" And a fool is transgressing and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The wise is fearing and turning from evil, And a fool is transgressing and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The wise one feared and departed from evil: and the foolish overflowing, and being confident.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A wise man feareth and declineth from evil: the fool leapeth over and is confident. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The wise fear, and so turn away from evil. The foolish leap ahead with confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wise person is cautious and turns from evil; the fool is reckless and gets embroiled. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wise man is cautious, and departs from evil; but the fool tampers with it confidently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A wise one is afraid and departs from evil, and the fool partakes in it confidently.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool behaveth overbearingly, and is confident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A wise man fears, and departs from evil; but the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2655" 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">15</span>The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">A wise man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yā·rê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">fears</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·sār (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">and turns</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: mê·rā‘ (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">from evil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ū·ḵə·sîl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">but a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/982.htm" title="982: ū·ḇō·w·ṭê·aḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">is careless</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: miṯ·‘ab·bêr (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and reckless.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.…<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/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/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="/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="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></span><br />Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Proverbs 28:14</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Proverbs 19:23</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a></span><br />Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Proverbs 16:6</a></span><br />By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Proverbs 21:29</a></span><br />A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.<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="/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="/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_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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.</p><p class="hdg">feareth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></b></br> Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Proverbs 16:6,17</a></b></br> By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD <i>men</i> depart from evil… </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="hdg">the fool</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Proverbs 7:22</a></b></br> He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Proverbs 28:14</a></b></br> Happy <i>is</i> the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9</a></b></br> <i>If</i> a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, <i>there is</i> no rest.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/140-5.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Beareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm">Behaveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Careless</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Cautious</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/job/27-21.htm">Departeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Insolently</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Rageth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/psalms/119-51.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/job/1-8.htm">Shuns</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/job/41-18.htm">Throws</a> <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Transgressing</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Beareth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Behaveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Careless</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Cautious</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Departeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-26.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-5.htm">Insolently</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Rageth</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Shuns</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Throws</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-13.htm">Transgressing</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Wise</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>A wise man</b><br />The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes someone who is skillful, shrewd, or learned. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, rooted in the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). A wise man, therefore, is one who aligns his life with God's principles, seeking understanding and discernment. This wisdom is a gift from God, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's commands.<p><b>fears</b><br />The Hebrew word "יָרֵא" (yare) is often translated as "fear," but it encompasses a profound reverence and awe for God. This fear is not about being afraid in a negative sense but is a recognition of God's holiness and justice. It is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>) and leads to a life that honors God. The wise man's fear is a protective measure, guiding him away from sin and towards righteousness.<p><b>and turns from evil</b><br />The phrase "turns from evil" implies a deliberate action. The Hebrew verb "סוּר" (sur) means to turn aside, depart, or remove oneself. This action is a conscious decision to avoid sin and its consequences. In the biblical narrative, turning from evil is a recurring theme, emphasizing repentance and the pursuit of holiness. The wise man actively chooses to distance himself from anything that contradicts God's will, demonstrating his commitment to living a godly life.<p><b>but a fool</b><br />The Hebrew word for "fool" is "כְּסִיל" (kesil), which refers to someone who is morally deficient, lacking in judgment and discernment. In Proverbs, the fool is often contrasted with the wise, highlighting the consequences of rejecting wisdom and instruction. The fool's life is marked by a disregard for God's ways, leading to destructive behavior and ultimately, ruin.<p><b>is careless</b><br />The term "careless" suggests a lack of concern or thoughtfulness. In Hebrew, this is captured by the word "בּוֹטֵחַ" (boteach), which can mean to be secure or confident, but in this context, it implies a false sense of security. The fool's carelessness is rooted in pride and self-reliance, ignoring the dangers of sin and the need for God's guidance.<p><b>and reckless</b><br />The word "reckless" conveys a sense of rashness and irresponsibility. The Hebrew "עָבַר" (abar) means to transgress or act without consideration. This recklessness is a hallmark of the fool, who acts impulsively without regard for the consequences. In the biblical context, such behavior leads to chaos and destruction, contrasting sharply with the peace and stability found in a life guided by wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">A wise man feareth.--</span>(Comp. <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm" title="Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.">Proverbs 3:7</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">The fool rageth.</span>--Gives way to passionate excitement, and "is confident" in his own wisdom; he has no "quietness and confidence" (<a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm" title="For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and you would not.">Isaiah 30:15</a>) in God.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil</span> (<a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</a>). In <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a> we had, "Fear the Lord, and depart from evil;" but here the idea is different. A wise man fears the evil that lurks in everything, and examines and ponders actions by the standard of religion, and is thus saved from many evils which arise from hastiness and inadvertence. <span class="cmt_word">The fool rageth, and is confident</span> (<a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Proverbs 21:24</a>; <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a>). The fool easily falls into a rage, and has no control over himself, and is confident in his own wisdom, in contrast to the wise man, who has trust in God, and is calm and thoughtful (<a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Isaiah 30:15</a>). Revised Version, "beareth himself insolently, and is confident;" but, as Nowack remarks, the word (<span class="accented">mithabber</span>), where it occurs elsewhere, means, "to be excited," "to be in a passion" (comp. <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Proverbs 21:24</a>; <a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Psalm 78:21, 59, 62</a>), and this usual signification gives a good meaning here. Vulgate, <span class="accented">transilit</span>, "he overleaps" all laws and restrictions. The LXX., by transposition of the letters, reads <span class="accented">mithareh</span>, and translates <span class="greek">μίγνυται</span>," The fool trusting to himself mixes himself up with sinners." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-16.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">A wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[man] fears</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֭רֵא</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fearing, reverent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and turns</span><br /><span class="heb">וְסָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from evil,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine 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">but a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝כְסִ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is careless</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתְעַבֵּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(miṯ·‘ab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<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 reckless.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבוֹטֵֽחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇō·w·ṭê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trust, be confident, sure</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and shuns evil (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 14:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 14:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:17" /></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>