King James Version

What Does Proverbs 14:15 Mean?

Proverbs 14:15 in the King James Version says “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 14:15 · KJV


Context

13

Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14

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

15

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

16

A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

17

He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas might you be 'simple,' accepting claims without proper evaluation or biblical discernment?
  2. How can you become more prudent in evaluating teaching, media, and cultural messages against Scripture?
  3. What does 'looking well to your going' mean practically in your daily decisions and spiritual walk?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
פֶּ֭תִי1 of 7

The simple

H6612

silly (i.e., seducible)

יַאֲמִ֣ין2 of 7

believeth

H539

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

לְכָל3 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּבָ֑ר4 of 7

every word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְ֝עָר֗וּם5 of 7

but the prudent

H6175

cunning (usually in a bad sense)

יָבִ֥ין6 of 7

man looketh well

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

לַאֲשֻׁרֽוֹ׃7 of 7

to his going

H838

a step


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 14:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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