Proverbs 14:16-18 (ESV)
16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
and a man of evil devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Solomon again contrasts the wise person with the fool. “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil.” The Hebrew word translated “cautious” is yare, meaning to fear. We have encountered this word many times throughout Proverbs. The wise woman lives with a healthy fear of both the consequences of sin and the displeasure of God. Because she fears the Lord, she turns away from evil and submits herself to his word. Rather than asking what she wants, she asks what God desires. Reverence for God guards her from wandering down destructive paths.
The fool, however, is very different. Solomon describes her as “reckless and careless.” The Hebrew word translated “reckless” is abar, which can carry the idea of acting arrogantly or presumptuously. The fool assumes she will be fine no matter what she does and gives little thought to the consequences of her choices. This same lack of self control appears in verse 17: “A man of quick temper acts foolishly.” The person who is easily angered reacts impulsively and without restraint. She explodes when things do not go her way, overreacts to difficulties, and often creates greater problems through reckless words and actions.
Solomon then describes an even more dangerous person: “a man of evil devices.” Unlike the hot tempered person who lashes out impulsively, this individual is calculated and manipulative. She keeps her anger hidden beneath a calm exterior while secretly devising ways to harm others. She plots, schemes, and looks for opportunities to damage those who may be in her way. While the quick tempered person sins openly, the schemer sins strategically. Solomon says such a person “is hated.”
Verse 18 contrasts the simple with the prudent. The simple person is gullible and undiscerning. She accepts ideas without carefully evaluating them according to God’s word. As a result, folly becomes her inheritance and eventually her way of life. The prudent person, however, diligently pursues wisdom. She listens, learns, and grows in understanding. Solomon says she is “crowned with knowledge,” picturing knowledge as a beautiful ornament worn with honor.
When things do not go your way, how do you respond? Do you react like the hot headed person, lashing out at a spouse, criticizing a coworker, stirring up conflict in a ministry, or secretly hoping something bad happens to someone who has hurt you? If you find resentment growing in your heart, ask God to replace it with love. Instead of rejoicing at the thought of hardship befalling your enemy, pray for her. Ask God to show her mercy, draw her to himself, and fill your heart with the same grace he has so generously shown to you.