Proverbs 14:15

Authorized King James Version

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פֶּ֭תִי
The simple
silly (i.e., seducible)
#2
יַאֲמִ֣ין
believeth
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
#3
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
דָּבָ֑ר
every word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
וְ֝עָר֗וּם
but the prudent
cunning (usually in a bad sense)
#6
יָבִ֥ין
man looketh well
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#7
לַאֲשֻׁרֽוֹ׃
to his going
a step

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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