Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:16, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
American Standard Version
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.
World English Bible version
A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
Proverbs 14:16 Meaning & Commentary
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. – Proverbs 14:16 (ESV)
There is something about being cautious and taking our time with decisions, which can protect us and keep us safe. When we are reckless, careless, and “rush” into things – that is when we can “miss our way.” The Bible tells us not to be hasty with our actions and decisions: Proverbs 19:2 – Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
There is a well known and prominent financial teacher who has a saying, “In my life, when I have become desperate, right after that is when I have become stupid.” Desperation will cause caution and wisdom to go out the window and open the door for recklessness and carelessness to enter in. The Bible says that a wise person is cautious and turns away from evil. A wise person recognizes that evil or sin has no good ending. In fact, The Bible says that the wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In other words, the payment of sin, or the reward that sin “pays,” is death. This applies in a broad context and is the reason why we need Jesus Christ. However, this also applies to our lives in other ways. For example, a shady business deal could seem very “tempting,” but its end will be “death.” Or a relationship that we know is not healthy could seem enticing, but its end could be “death.”
This does not necessarily mean that there will be literal death, but instead that there is nothing good waiting at the end of the road. When we act foolishly without God’s wisdom, we risk getting involved in evil and foolish things and, as The Bible says, being “reckless” and “careless.”
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 14:16 to our lives?
There are a few practical ways to protect ourselves and walk in God’s wisdom in every area of our lives. Firstly, God’s Word must be our standard of living. This means we need to read God’s Word, study it, know it – but most importantly, APPLY IT. If we do not apply God’s Word in our lives, it is futile and will not bear fruit: James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
When we apply God’s Word to our lives, we follow God’s “instruction manual” for success. God’s principles work, and when we apply His Word, we will have success: Joshua 1:8 – This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Another principle to apply is to walk with wise people. When we surround ourselves with Godly wisdom, we become wise and start to make the right decisions because wisdom guides and leads us: Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Wisdom is like a “protecting force” that keeps us making the right decisions and on the right path: Proverbs 3:21-23 – My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
Lastly, when we feel it’s time to press ahead and act on something in life, it is usually wiser to be slower rather than act too fast. When we take the time to meditate on our decision, consult with wise counsel, and prayerfully consider what we are doing, we leave less room or leeway for mistakes and make “reckless” and “careless” decisions that can hurt us down the line!
Prayer
Mighty God, I come to you now in Jesus’ name and ask for wisdom. Help me to apply Your Word to every area of my life.
I also pray that you would bring wise people into my life who can help me to walk in wisdom and help me to grow in You. I ask for a fresh hunger for Your Word and pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
