Proverbs 14:8

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about wisdom and prudence: 

Proverbs 14:8 (ESV)

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

but the folly of fools is deceiving.

Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)

The simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 14:18 (ESV)

The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 15:5 (ESV)

A fool despises his father’s instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

The Hebrew word for prudent is ‘ârûm; it means crafty, prudent, subtil.  It is translated in the Bible as: prudent 8, crafty 2, subtil 1.   At the start of the book of Proverbs, Solomon outlines his purpose for the book.  Note:

Proverbs 1:2-4 (ESV)

To know wisdom and instruction,

to understand words of insight,

to receive instruction in wise dealing,

in righteousness, justice, and equity;

to give prudence to the simple,

knowledge and discretion to the youth—

The entire book of Proverbs is to develop prudence for the person who wants to walk in wisdom.  Prudence is what happens when you have wisdom.  Wisdom without prudence just makes you pompous.   Prudence is the practical out-working of wisdom.   When we have more knowledge of God and more understanding of who God is, that gives us the day to day prudence we need to walk in that wisdom before others.   If wisdom is in the heart and the mind, prudence is shown in the shoes.   We walk more sure when we take God’s wisdom and put it to practical steps.  That is what the above four verses are teaching us.   Head knowledge does nothing for us.   Knowledge about God that impacts our walk before men is what God’s wisdom is all about.