Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:18, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
American Standard Version
The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
World English Bible version
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:18 Meaning & Commentary
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. – Proverbs 14:18 (ESV)
The verse compares a “simple” person and a “prudent” person. The Bible tells us that the simple person will inherit folly, and the prudent person will inherit (or be crowned with) knowledge. A simple person in this context describes somebody who believes everything and questions nothing. This is why The Bible says that they will inherit folly (or stupidity) – because they are candidates to receive anything that comes across their path. If someone tells them about a new theory on life or a new way to get rich quickly without working hard, they will be susceptible to deceit, lies, or manipulation.
The Bible does not teach us just to accept any and everything that comes across our path: 1 John 4:1 – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. We are told to test every spirit – not ignorantly just accept everything that comes across our path – this is what a prudent person does. The word prudent is the Hebrew word “arum,” which means crafty, shrewd, or sensible. A prudent person will not just accept everything they hear at face value – they will test everything and find the answers themselves.
This is why Proverbs 14:18 says that a prudent person will be crowned with knowledge – because they are the kind of person who will search for the answers themselves and refuse to be led astray by empty talk, fables, and even doctrines of demons. When Jesus wrote the letters to the churches in Revelation, he commended the church of Ephesus for testing those who claimed to be apostles but were not: Revelation 2:2 – ‘I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.’ This is prudence in action!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:18 to our lives?
We must become prudent in our thinking and how we live our lives. What does this mean, and how do we practically do it? We need to develop our own relationship with God. When we don’t do this, we become dependent on others in our walk with God. Instead of spending time with God ourselves, studying His word, and receiving truth and insight from Him directly, we depend on other people to “feed us.” This is normal, to a degree – as God has given us Pastors, Teachers, and other gifts to grow us up into maturity. However, we need to have our own relationship with God and grow in our walk with Him for ourselves. Also, as commanded in 1 John 4:1 – we need to test every spirit.
How do we test every spirit? The best example in God’s Word is looking at the fruit in someone’s life. When we think of fruit, the clearest example in scripture is the evidence of changed lives: 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 – Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. We also have a free and open door to ask God for wisdom, discernment, and help in and with everything.
Jesus said that The Holy Spirit would guide and lead us into all truth: John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
We are just one prayer away from God, and when we ask him to keep us from folly and guide and lead us into knowledge, He is ready and waiting to answer and help us!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for helping me on this journey. I ask that Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in my life. I ask for wisdom, discernment, and knowledge.
Holy Spirit, help me and guide me into all truth and purity. I desire to grow in my knowledge of you from this day forward. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
