Proverbs 14:18

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 the naive:

Proverbs 14:18 (NASBStr)

The naive inherit foolishness,

But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 14:18 (ESV)

The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs is written to the naive.  Note what Solomon writes:

Proverbs 1:4 (NASBStr)

To give prudence to the naive,

To the youth knowledge and discretion,

However, not everyone that is naive would want to turn toward God and Fear The Lord.   Even though God sent Solomon to write and organize these proverbs, not everyone would listen to them.   That is why Solomon writes the above proverb about the simple person.   Those who wish to remain naive will inherit foolishness as a result.   On the other hand, the "sensible" would be someone who was crowned with knowledge of God.   Those who heed God's Word will be crowned with the knowledge of God.   That is why He gave us the Proverbs.   However, if we remain in our naive state ... absent from the fear of The Lord, faith in God, we will be rewarded with foolishness and all that coms with a life of folly.   The book of Proverbs was written to show us the path of these two journeys.   Naivety is rewarded as a life of folly.   Yielding to God's way will result in a sensible life that is crowned with knowledge.  Faith in God will be given prudence and knowledge.   A life of the flesh is rewarded, as well ... a life of folly and all that comes with rejecting God's Word.  Remember what was already stated in this chapter:

Proverbs 14:14 (ESV)

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,

and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.