Proverbs 14:16

16 Sensible people are careful to stay out of trouble, but stupid people are careless and act too quickly.

Proverbs 14:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:16

A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil
He fears God, and is careful not to offend him; wherefore he departs from sin, stands at a distance from it, abstains from all appearance of it; being influenced by the goodness and grace of God unto him, he fears the Lord and his goodness, and therefore avoids all occasions of sinning against him: his motive is not merely fear of punishment, as Jarchi, but a sense of goodness; and now, as it is through the influence of divine fear that men depart from evil; so to do this shows a good understanding, and that such a man is a wise man, ( Proverbs 16:6 ) ( Job 28:28 ) ; but the fool rageth, and is confident;
he fears neither God nor men, he sets his mouth against both; he "rages" in heart, if not with his mouth, against God and his law, which forbid the practice of such sins he delights in; and against all good men, that admonish him of them, rebuke him for them, or dissuade him from them: and "is confident" that no evil shall befall him; he has no concern about a future state, and is fearless of hell and damnation, though just upon the precipice of ruin; yet, as the words may be rendered, "he goes on confidently", nothing can stop him; he pushes on, regardless of the laws of God or men, of the advices and counsels of his friends, or of what will be the issue of his desperate courses in another world.

Proverbs 14:16 In-Context

14 Bad people will get what they deserve. Good people will be rewarded for their deeds.

15 A fool will believe anything; smart people watch their step.

16 Sensible people are careful to stay out of trouble, but stupid people are careless and act too quickly.

17 People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.

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