Proverbs 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wise fear and avoid evil; the fool rages and trusts himself.
The Context of Proverbs 14:16
Two different responses to evil and danger: wisdom's caution and folly's false confidence.
What Does Proverbs 14:16 Mean?
The wise person's fear—reverence for God and caution about evil—moves him to depart from it. He does not flirt with temptation or test its limits. His fear is protective; it keeps him from the paths that lead to ruin. This is not paranoid fear but wise caution about genuine danger.
The fool, by contrast, rages against restraint and trusts in his own confidence. He is bold in his own eyes, dismissive of warnings, convinced that he can handle anything. His confidence in himself blinds him to genuine peril. He moves toward danger where the wise turn away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 14:16
What does Proverbs 14:16 mean?
The wise fear and avoid evil; the fool rages and trusts himself.
What is the context of Proverbs 14:16?
Two different responses to evil and danger: wisdom's caution and folly's false confidence.