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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 inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The naive inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Stupidity leads to foolishness; be smart and learn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Gullible people are gifted with stupidity, but sensible people are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Ignorant people get what their foolishness deserves, but the clever are rewarded with knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The na锟絭e inherit folly, but the careful are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. <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 have inherited folly, "" And the prudent are crowned [with] knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The simple have inherited folly, And the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The simple inherit folly: and the prudent shall be surrounded with knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The childish shall possess folly, and the prudent, shall look for knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The childish will possess foolishness, and the discerning will anticipate knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The simple have folly as an adornment, but the shrewd wear knowledge as a crown. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Fools inherit folly; but the prudent dispense knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Fools inherit madness and the intelligent distribute knowledge.<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 come into possession of folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Fools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-18.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=2669" 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">17</span>A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6612.htm" title="6612: p̄ə·ṯā·yim (N-mp) -- Simple, perhaps open-minded. Or pethiy; or pthaeiy; from pathah; silly.">The simple</a> <a href="/hebrew/5157.htm" title="5157: nā·ḥă·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to inherit (figurative) mode of descent), or to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or distribute, instate.">inherit</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ’iw·we·leṯ (N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">folly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6175.htm" title="6175: wa·‘ă·rū·mîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Crafty, shrewd, sensible. Passive participle of aram; cunning.">but the prudent</a> <a href="/hebrew/3803.htm" title="3803: yaḵ·ti·rū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To surround. A primitive root; to enclose; hence to crown, to besiege; also to wait.">are crowned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">with knowledge.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.…<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_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-19</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Proverbs 3:35</a></span><br />The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:14-16</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. / So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. / For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool!<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="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a></span><br />The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.<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="/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="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a></span><br />A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-21</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Proverbs 8:5</a></span><br />O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6</a></span><br />Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">inherit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Proverbs 3:35</a></b></br> The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Proverbs 11:29</a></b></br> He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool <i>shall be</i> servant to the wise of heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/16-19.htm">Jeremiah 16:19</a></b></br> O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and <i>things</i> wherein <i>there is</i> no profit.</p><p class="hdg">the prudent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7-9</a></b></br> Wisdom <i>is</i> the principal thing; <i>therefore</i> get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Proverbs 11:30</a></b></br> The fruit of the righteous <i>is</i> a tree of life; and he that winneth souls <i>is</i> wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/12-3.htm">Daniel 12:3</a></b></br> And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/psalms/65-11.htm">Crowned</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/psalms/119-111.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-27.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Sensible</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Thoughtless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Crowned</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Naive</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Prudent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Sensible</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Simple</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Thoughtless</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 inherit folly</b><br>The term "simple" in this context refers to those who are naive or lack discernment. In biblical literature, simplicity often denotes a lack of wisdom or understanding, which can lead to poor decision-making. This phrase suggests that folly, or foolishness, is the natural outcome for those who do not seek wisdom. The concept of inheritance implies that folly is not just a temporary state but a lasting condition that is passed down or acquired over time. This aligns with the biblical theme that wisdom must be actively pursued (<a href="/proverbs/2.htm">Proverbs 2:1-6</a>) and that neglecting it leads to negative consequences (<a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Proverbs 1:32</a>).<p><b>but the prudent are crowned with knowledge</b><br>The "prudent" are those who exercise good judgment and foresight. In the biblical context, prudence is often associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Being "crowned with knowledge" suggests that knowledge is not only a reward but also a mark of honor and authority. This imagery of a crown indicates that knowledge elevates and distinguishes the prudent, much like a crown distinguishes a king. The connection between wisdom and honor is a recurring theme in Proverbs (<a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Proverbs 3:35</a>). This phrase also echoes the biblical principle that those who seek and apply wisdom will be blessed and honored (<a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Proverbs 8:12-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_simple.htm">The Simple</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, "the simple" refers to those who are naive or lacking in judgment. They are often depicted as individuals who are easily led astray due to their lack of wisdom and discernment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prudent.htm">The Prudent</a></b><br>This term describes those who are wise, discerning, and able to make sound judgments. The prudent person is characterized by their ability to foresee potential outcomes and act accordingly.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/folly.htm">Folly</a></b><br>Folly represents foolishness or a lack of good sense. In the book of Proverbs, folly is often contrasted with wisdom and is seen as the result of poor decision-making.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/knowledge.htm">Knowledge</a></b><br>In this context, knowledge is not just intellectual understanding but also includes moral insight and the ability to live according to God's principles.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance_and_crowning.htm">Inheritance and Crowning</a></b><br>These terms symbolize the outcomes or rewards of one's life choices. Inheritance implies receiving something as a result of one's nature or actions, while crowning suggests honor and recognition for wise living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_simplicity.htm">The Consequences of Simplicity</a></b><br>Being simple or naive can lead to inheriting folly. It's crucial to seek wisdom actively to avoid the pitfalls of poor judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reward_of_prudence.htm">The Reward of Prudence</a></b><br>Prudence leads to being "crowned with knowledge." This suggests that living wisely brings honor and recognition, both in this life and in the eyes of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not innate but must be sought after. Engaging with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel are essential practices for gaining prudence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment.htm">The Role of Discernment</a></b><br>Discernment is a key aspect of prudence. It involves evaluating situations and making decisions that align with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Understanding that our choices have eternal consequences can motivate us to pursue wisdom and avoid folly.<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/why_use_personification_over_concrete_proof.htm">Proverbs 9:13-18 presents Folly as another woman calling out to the naive. Why rely on personification instead of providing concrete historical or scientific validations for these moral teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_seek_advice_from_jethro_after_god.htm">Why would Moses need leadership advice from a non-Israelite (Exodus 18:13-26) after direct guidance from God elsewhere in Exodus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fools.htm">What does the Bible say about fools?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">The simple inherit folly.</span>--As weeds spring up in unoccupied soil, so "simple" (<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>) persons, whose minds are unoccupied with good, often become self-willed; while the knowledge which the "prudent" gain by looking well to their steps (<a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm" title="The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.">Proverbs 14:15</a>) adorns them as a crown.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The simple inherit folly.</span> The credulous simpleton naturally falls into possession of folly, feeds upon it, and enjoys it. The LXX. regards the simple as communicating their folly to others, and translates, "Fools will divide malice." But the prudent are crowned with knowledge; put on knowledge as a crown of glory, in accordance with the Stoic saying, quoted in the 'Speaker's Commentary,' "The wise is the only king." Nowack thinks the above translation and the idea alike belong to later times, and prefers to render, "The prudent embrace knowledge," which is parallel to the sentiment of ver. 6. The word is found only in <a href="/psalms/142.htm">Psalm 142</a>:8, where it is translated either "shall compass me about" or "crown themselves through me." The Vulgate has <span class="accented">expectabunt, i.e.</span> "wait for it patiently," as the fruit of labour and perseverance. Septuagint, "The wise shall get possession of (<span class="greek">κρατήσουσιν</span>) knowledge." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-18.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</span><br /><span class="heb">פְתָאיִ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·ṯā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">inherit</span><br /><span class="heb">נָחֲל֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḥă·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5157.htm">Strong's 5157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">folly,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִוֶּ֑לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the prudent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽ֝עֲרוּמִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·rū·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<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">are crowned</span><br /><span class="heb">יַכְתִּ֥רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yaḵ·ti·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3803.htm">Strong's 3803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To enclose, to crown, to besiege, to wait</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with knowledge.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָֽעַת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-18.htm">Proverbs 14:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly but the prudent (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 14:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/14-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 14:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:19" /></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>