What does Proverbs 14:15 mean?

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." - Proverbs 14:15

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." - Proverbs 14:15

The Bible verse Proverbs 14:15 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "The simple believeth every word, but the prudent man looketh well to his going." This verse is part of the book of Proverbs, which is often attributed to King Solomon, and is known for its wisdom and practical advice.

The overarching theme of this verse is the importance of discernment and prudence in one's thinking and actions. It contrasts the "simple" person, who easily believes everything they hear without question, with the "prudent" person, who carefully considers their choices and actions. The contrast serves as a cautionary reminder for readers to be cautious in their beliefs and actions and to exercise wisdom and discernment.

The context of this verse is within the larger context of the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of the wise sayings and teachings of King Solomon. The book is aimed at imparting wisdom and practical advice for daily living, covering a wide range of subjects including morality, character, relationships, and the pursuit of wisdom.

The theme of discernment and prudence is a recurring motif throughout the book of Proverbs. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in making decisions and living a righteous life. The contrast between the "simple" and the "prudent" in this particular verse echoes this recurring theme, reinforcing the importance of being thoughtful and discerning in one's thoughts and actions.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between the "simple" and the "prudent." The "simple" person represents a gullible and naive individual who readily accepts everything they hear without question. They are easily swayed by the words and opinions of others and may be prone to making hasty and unwise decisions. In contrast, the "prudent" person symbolizes someone who exercises caution, carefully considering their choices and actions before making a decision. They are thoughtful, discerning, and wise in their conduct, and they look carefully at the path ahead before proceeding.

This symbolism serves as a warning and a reminder for readers to be mindful of the potential pitfalls of naivety and gullibility. It emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and discerning in one's beliefs and actions, and encourages readers to exercise wisdom and prudence in their daily lives.

The verse also speaks to the broader spiritual principle of discernment in the Christian faith. It aligns with the biblical teachings of being wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16), testing the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1), and being sober-minded and watchful (1 Peter 5:8). It underscores the importance of being discerning in our faith, recognizing the potential for deception and falsehood, and being careful to align our beliefs and actions with the truth of God's Word.

In conclusion, Proverbs 14:15 from the King James Version serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of discernment and prudence in our beliefs and actions. It warns against the dangers of naivety and gullibility and encourages us to be thoughtful, discerning, and wise in our conduct. The verse aligns with the broader themes of wisdom and discernment in the book of Proverbs and carries symbolic significance in its contrast between the "simple" and the "prudent." It also aligns with the broader biblical teachings on discernment and serves as a timeless and relevant reminder for believers to be vigilant and discerning in their faith and daily lives.

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Proverbs 14:15 Artwork

Proverbs 14:15 - "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."

Proverbs 14:15 - "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." - Proverbs 14:15

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." - Proverbs 14:15

Proverbs 15:14 - "The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness."

Proverbs 15:14 - "The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness."

Proverbs 4:14-15 - "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

Proverbs 4:14-15 - "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

Proverbs 27:14-15 (KJVA)
14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

Proverbs 27:14-15 (KJVA) 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

"The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness." - Proverbs 15:14

"The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness." - Proverbs 15:14

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." - Proverbs 4:14-15

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." - Proverbs 4:14-15

Proverbs 15:15 - "All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."

Proverbs 15:15 - "All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."

Proverbs 2:15 - "Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:"

Proverbs 2:15 - "Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:"

Proverbs 14:14 - "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."

Proverbs 14:14 - "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."

Proverbs 8:15 - "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice."

Proverbs 8:15 - "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice."

Proverbs 9:15 - "To call passengers who go right on their ways:"

Proverbs 9:15 - "To call passengers who go right on their ways:"

Proverbs 15:33 - "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."

Proverbs 15:33 - "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."

Proverbs 4:15 - "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

Proverbs 4:15 - "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

Proverbs 5:14 - "I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly."

Proverbs 5:14 - "I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly."

Proverbs 15:22 - "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."

Proverbs 15:22 - "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."

Proverbs 15:3 - "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

Proverbs 15:3 - "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

Proverbs 20:15 - "There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel."

Proverbs 20:15 - "There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel."

Proverbs 14:18 - "The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

Proverbs 14:18 - "The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

Proverbs 14:24 - "The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly."

Proverbs 14:24 - "The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly."

Proverbs 15:31 - "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."

Proverbs 15:31 - "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."

Proverbs 15:6 - "In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble."

Proverbs 15:6 - "In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble."

Proverbs 13:15 - "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."

Proverbs 13:15 - "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."

Proverbs 14:13 - "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness."

Proverbs 14:13 - "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness."

Proverbs 14:30 - "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."

Proverbs 14:30 - "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."

Proverbs 14:19 - "The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous."

Proverbs 14:19 - "The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous."

Proverbs 25:15 - "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone."

Proverbs 25:15 - "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone."

Proverbs 15:8 - "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

Proverbs 15:8 - "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

Proverbs 18:15 - "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

Proverbs 18:15 - "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

Proverbs 15:7 - "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."

Proverbs 15:7 - "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."