Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Original Language Analysis
יַאֲמִ֣ין
believeth
H539
יַאֲמִ֣ין
believeth
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דָּבָ֑ר
every word
H1697
דָּבָ֑ר
every word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Proverbs 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.Ephesians 5:17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.Proverbs 4:26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.Proverbs 27:12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Historical Context
Ancient world had no fact-checking systems. False prophets, deceitful merchants, and lying witnesses abounded. The simple, lacking discernment, were easily deceived into bad deals, false worship, or unjust testimony. Prudent Israelites tested prophets against Torah (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:21-22) and required multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). This proverb urged developing critical thinking rooted in God's Word.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas might you be 'simple,' accepting claims without proper evaluation or biblical discernment?
- How can you become more prudent in evaluating teaching, media, and cultural messages against Scripture?
- What does 'looking well to your going' mean practically in your daily decisions and spiritual walk?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts gullibility with prudence. "The simple believeth every word" warns against naivety. Peti ya'amin lekhol-davar (פֶּתִי יַאֲמִין לְכָל־דָּבָר, the simple believes every word). Peti (פֶּתִי, simple, naive, gullible) describes the immature or foolish person who aman (אָמַן, believes, trusts) every davar (דָּבָר, word, thing, matter) without discernment.
"But the prudent man looketh well to his going" presents careful wisdom. Vearum yavin le'ashuro (וְעָרוּם יָבִין לַאֲשֻׁרוֹ, but the prudent discerns his step). Arum (עָרוּם, prudent, shrewd) bin (בִּין, discerns, understands, considers) his ashur (אֲשֻׁר, step, going). The wise person thinks carefully before proceeding.
The proverb warns against credulity and commends discernment. Acts 17:11 commends Bereans who tested Paul's teaching against Scripture. 1 John 4:1 commands testing spirits. Proverbs 14:18 says "the simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge." In an age of misinformation, believers must exercise biblical discernment—not believing every claim but testing all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The Spirit gives discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14-15). Satan deceives through lies (John 8:44). Christians must be wise as serpents while harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16), carefully evaluating teaching and watching their steps.