Proverbs 14:18
New International Version
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

New Living Translation
Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

English Standard Version
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

King James Bible
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

New King James Version
The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

New American Standard Bible
The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

NASB 1995
The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

NASB 1977
The naive inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Legacy Standard Bible
The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Amplified Bible
The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge.

Christian Standard Bible
The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The inexperienced inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

American Standard Version
The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Contemporary English Version
Stupidity leads to foolishness; be smart and learn.

English Revised Version
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Gullible people are gifted with stupidity, but sensible people are crowned with knowledge.

Good News Translation
Ignorant people get what their foolishness deserves, but the clever are rewarded with knowledge.

International Standard Version
The naïve inherit folly, but the careful are crowned with knowledge.

Majority Standard Bible
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

NET Bible
The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.

New Heart English Bible
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Webster's Bible Translation
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

World English Bible
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The simple have inherited folly, "" And the prudent are crowned [with] knowledge.

Young's Literal Translation
The simple have inherited folly, And the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Smith's Literal Translation
The simple inherit folly: and the prudent shall be surrounded with knowledge.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The childish shall possess folly, and the prudent, shall look for knowledge.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The childish will possess foolishness, and the discerning will anticipate knowledge.

New American Bible
The simple have folly as an adornment, but the shrewd wear knowledge as a crown.

New Revised Standard Version
The simple are adorned with folly, but the clever are crowned with knowledge.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Fools inherit folly; but the prudent dispense knowledge.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Fools inherit madness and the intelligent distribute knowledge.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The thoughtless come into possession of folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Fools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wise Woman
17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. 18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.…

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 3:35
The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.

Ecclesiastes 2:14-16
The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both. / So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. / For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool!

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Proverbs 10:14
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Proverbs 15:14
A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 19:8
He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...

Proverbs 8:5
O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.

Proverbs 9:6
Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”

Romans 1:22
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,


Treasury of Scripture

The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

inherit

Proverbs 3:35
The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Proverbs 11:29
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Jeremiah 16:19
O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

the prudent

Proverbs 4:7-9
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding…

Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Jump to Previous
Acquire Behaviour Crowned Folly Foolish Foolishness Good Heritage Inherit Inherited Naive Possession Prudent Sense Sensible Simple Thoughtless
Jump to Next
Acquire Behaviour Crowned Folly Foolish Foolishness Good Heritage Inherit Inherited Naive Possession Prudent Sense Sensible Simple Thoughtless
Proverbs 14
1. A wise woman builds her house














The simple
In the Hebrew text, the word for "simple" is "פְּתָיִם" (petaim), which refers to those who are naive or easily misled. In the context of Proverbs, the "simple" are often depicted as individuals who lack discernment and wisdom, making them susceptible to foolishness. Historically, this term would have been understood as those who do not actively seek wisdom or instruction, thus remaining vulnerable to poor decisions and moral pitfalls. The Bible frequently contrasts the simple with the wise, urging believers to pursue wisdom and understanding.

inherit folly
The Hebrew word for "inherit" is "נָחַל" (nachal), which implies receiving something as a possession or legacy. "Folly" is translated from "אִוֶּלֶת" (ivvelet), meaning foolishness or lack of good sense. The phrase suggests that folly is the natural outcome or "inheritance" for those who remain simple. In a biblical sense, folly is not just a lack of intelligence but a moral failing, a deviation from God's wisdom. The inheritance of folly implies a generational or habitual pattern, where the simple continue in their ways without seeking the transformative power of divine wisdom.

but the prudent
The term "prudent" comes from the Hebrew "עָרוּם" (arum), which denotes shrewdness, craftiness, or wisdom. In the biblical context, prudence is a virtue that involves careful thought, foresight, and the ability to make sound judgments. The prudent person is one who seeks understanding and applies knowledge wisely, often in contrast to the simple. This characteristic is highly valued in Scripture, as it aligns with the pursuit of godly wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

are crowned with knowledge
The imagery of being "crowned" suggests honor, authority, and reward. The Hebrew word "כָּתַר" (katar) implies being encircled or adorned, often used in the context of royal or celebratory imagery. "Knowledge" is translated from "דַּעַת" (da'at), which encompasses understanding, insight, and discernment. In the biblical narrative, knowledge is more than mere information; it is a deep, relational understanding of God's will and ways. The prudent are "crowned" with this knowledge, indicating that their pursuit of wisdom leads to a life marked by honor and divine insight. This crowning is both a present reality and a future promise, reflecting the eternal value of living according to God's wisdom.

(18) The simple inherit folly.--As weeds spring up in unoccupied soil, so "simple" (Proverbs 1:22) persons, whose minds are unoccupied with good, often become self-willed; while the knowledge which the "prudent" gain by looking well to their steps (Proverbs 14:15) adorns them as a crown.

Verse 18. - The simple inherit folly. The credulous simpleton naturally falls into possession of folly, feeds upon it, and enjoys it. The LXX. regards the simple as communicating their folly to others, and translates, "Fools will divide malice." But the prudent are crowned with knowledge; put on knowledge as a crown of glory, in accordance with the Stoic saying, quoted in the 'Speaker's Commentary,' "The wise is the only king." Nowack thinks the above translation and the idea alike belong to later times, and prefers to render, "The prudent embrace knowledge," which is parallel to the sentiment of ver. 6. The word is found only in Psalm 142:8, where it is translated either "shall compass me about" or "crown themselves through me." The Vulgate has expectabunt, i.e. "wait for it patiently," as the fruit of labour and perseverance. Septuagint, "The wise shall get possession of (κρατήσουσιν) knowledge."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The simple
פְתָאיִ֣ם (p̄ə·ṯā·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6612: Simple, perhaps open-minded

inherit
נָחֲל֣וּ (nā·ḥă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5157: To inherit, to occupy, to bequeath, distribute, instate

folly,
אִוֶּ֑לֶת (’iw·we·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 200: Silliness

but the prudent
וַֽ֝עֲרוּמִ֗ים (wa·‘ă·rū·mîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6175: Crafty, shrewd, sensible

are crowned
יַכְתִּ֥רוּ (yaḵ·ti·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3803: To enclose, to crown, to besiege, to wait

with knowledge.
דָֽעַת׃ (ḏā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge


Links
Proverbs 14:18 NIV
Proverbs 14:18 NLT
Proverbs 14:18 ESV
Proverbs 14:18 NASB
Proverbs 14:18 KJV

Proverbs 14:18 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 14:18 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 14:18 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 14:18 French Bible
Proverbs 14:18 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:18 The simple inherit folly but the prudent (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 14:17
Top of Page
Top of Page