The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 14:15
What does Proverbs 14:15 mean?
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Proverbs 14:15
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The "simple" person isn't just naive; they're open to every word, lacking discernment. The "prudent" person, by contrast, doesn't just think about their own actions, but examines the direction or consequence of any "going," whether it's advice they receive or their own path forward.
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears in a section contrasting wise and foolish behavior, where folly often leads to ruin and wisdom to stability. It’s nestled between verses that discuss the dangers of poorly chosen words and the benefits of thoughtful planning, setting up a direct comparison between gullibility and careful discernment. The verses immediately following will continue this theme, further exploring the outcomes of such different approaches to life.
Ever felt like you've believed something – or someone – too easily? Proverbs warns us that 'believing everything' isn't wisdom; it's a vulnerability.
The 'Simple' Person
The verse contrasts the 'simple' person with the 'prudent' one. The 'simple' (often translated as 'foolish' or 'naive' in Proverbs) is characterized by their gullibility. They accept information at face value, without critical examination.
This isn't about becoming cynical, but about recognizing that not all words are true or helpful.
What does it truly mean to be 'prudent'? It's more than just being careful; it's about active, thoughtful engagement with life's decisions.
The 'Prudent' Person
The antidote to gullibility is prudence. The 'prudent' person doesn't just react; they actively consider.
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Understand the original words
pethiy · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks discernment, is easily deceived, or is naive regarding moral truth. They are characterized by a lack of caution and a susceptibility to falsehood.
arum · Hebrew Adjective
One who is wise, cautious, and exercises discernment. It refers to someone who observes their path and evaluates their actions against the standard of wisdom before proceeding.
Jesus tells his disciples to be 'wise as serpents and innocent as doves,' highlighting the balance between discernment and gentle simplicity that Proverbs 14:15 advocates.
1 John 4:1This verse warns believers not to trust every spiritual claim but to 'test the spirits to see whether they are from God,' echoing the prudent person's need for discernment in Proverbs 14:15.
Ephesians 4:14It describes immature believers as being 'no longer children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine,' which directly contrasts with the grounded prudence described in Proverbs 14:15.
James 1:5James encourages believers to ask God for wisdom when facing trials, emphasizing the proactive seeking of understanding that the 'prudent man' in Proverbs 14:15 employs when considering his steps.
Proverbs 12:15This verse states, 'The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice,' providing a parallel to Proverbs 14:15's contrast between blind belief and thoughtful consideration.
bensonProverbs 14:15: "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
Proverbs 14:15 . The simple — A foolish man; believeth every word — Is easily deceived with the smooth words and fair pretences of false and deceitful men; but the prudent man — The man well instructed and truly wise; looketh well to his goings — Either, 1st, To his own goings: he ordereth his conversation and dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say…
wesleyProverbs 14:15: "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
14:15 The simple - A foolish man. Looketh - He orders his dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do.
The "simple" person isn't just naive; they're open to every word, lacking discernment. The "prudent" person, by contrast, doesn't just think about their own actions, but examines the direction or consequence of any "going," whether it's advice they receive or their own path forward.
This proverb appears in a section contrasting wise and foolish behavior, where folly often leads to ruin and wisdom to stability. It’s nestled between verses that discuss the dangers of poorly chosen words and the benefits of thoughtful planning, setting up a direct comparison between gullibility and careful discernment. The verses immediately following will continue this theme, further exploring the outcomes of such different approaches to life.
This proverb appears in a section contrasting wise and foolish behavior, where folly often leads to ruin and wisdom to stability. It’s nestled between verses that discuss the dangers of poorly chosen words and the benefits of thoughtful planning, setting up a direct comparison between gullibility and careful discernment. The verses immediately following will continue this theme, further exploring the outcomes of such different approaches to life.
"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps." — The "simple" person isn't just naive; they're open to every word, lacking discernment. The "prudent" person, by contrast, doesn't just think about their own actions, but examines the direction or…
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Last reviewed October 2026