Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.
The Proverbs is a collection of wisdom statements, more declaring the way things are than the way they should be. “The simple believes every word.” This speaks of the impressionable, unwise, and immature person, of which the world has plenty. So quickly, they will uncritically accept every conspiracy theory, counterfeit doctrine, cult leader, or political savior that comes down the pike. As the great circus master would say, ‘A sucker is born every minute.” In this world, Barnum claimed, there would always be a market for the preposterous, the questionable, the deceptive, and the false teaching.
If men and women are running away from God, almost any path would take them there. They are gullible to anything (but the truth). Therefore, they are easily fixated upon the occult, the questionable, farfetched theories, unidentified flying objects, and sea monsters lurking in a lake in Scotland. That being the case with natural man, where might we find a prudent man on the earth? Those who have awakened to the truth and look well to the path are those who have been saved by the grace of God. The Holy Spirit must open the eyes of those who have been blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4).
“The prudent man looks well to his going.” Prudence requires humility—a willingness to acknowledge our own sinful rebellion and ignorance. To be the prudent man, we must believe in a wisdom that comes from outside ourselves, from the very Source of knowledge — that is, God Himself. Prudence also demands a healthy mistrust of proud men who speak in academia, media, politics, religion, and self-aggrandizing cults. The pride of man is everywhere. It is not to say we can’t trust any proposition stated anywhere but in the Bible itself. But, if we fail to discern where pride speaks, we will eventually find ourselves caught up in a web of falsehood. We must therefore be on our guard constantly in this world against a thousand false ways which could lead us out of the God-ward way.
Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.
Better it is for a man to cut off an offending arm or pluck out an offending eye, says Jesus, than to walk into hell fire with his arms and eyes intact (Matt. 18:6-8). When a man reads and believes these words, he will take them into consideration as he contemplates compromise with sin. That man knows with certainty the reality of God’s ferocious judgment. He can feel a hot gust of the winds of hell in his face as he makes his decisions in life.
The fear of God is an abiding sense that there is a holy and just God who really punishes sin in hell forever, and this makes for the first exit off the highway of evil. As long as men do not fear God, they will continue in their sin and will never see any real purpose for the atoning death of the Son of God on the cross. The fear of God is where it all begins. Without this holy reverence for God and a sober reception of His Law-Word, there will never be faith or obedience.
Meanwhile, the fool continues down the highway of sin at 180 miles per hour, never for a moment considering the possibility he could be going the wrong way. Some men travel 180 miles per hour straight into the gates of hell.
Which person is in a better position: a self-confident, smooth talking sinner, or a fearful, conscience-tossed, weak believer? While the weak-kneed believer may appear unimpressive and unenviable to those around him, at least he has taken the exit off the highway of evil, and that is something which cannot be said for the arrogant and selfconfident fool. A right fear of God will also lead to more faith in God, confidence in promises, and hope in His salvation.
Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Emotions are powerful things and they can do much good. When rightly used, emotions commit our hearts to that which is good, and steel them against that which is evil. Among all our emotions, anger is most like fire. On the one hand, fire is beneficial for melting metals and purging the dross. But fire can also burn entire cities to the ground, destroying everything in its path. It is both a dangerous and helpful servant, and a most cruel master.
For most of us, the English word “anger” denotes sinful, self-centered, uncontrolled, hot bursts of emotion. It is always hard to distinguish between what the Apostle calls “righteous indignation, zeal, and vehement desire” (2 Cor. 7:11), and sinful anger. But the Word of God particularly warns against ungodly, quick bursts of wrath (James 1:19,20). The angry man does not take time to measure his response, nor to consider whether the words and actions he metes out are in accord with good judgment. He is quick to yell, to hurl an insult or two, and to employ the rod a few more times than he should. He doesn’t take the time to check his motivations, with a few self-directed, pointed questions. (“Am I responding to this out of personal vengeance and selfish irritation, or am I truly jealous for the holiness of God here?”)
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God” ( James 1:19–20).
Although wicked men are often feared and respected in a warped sort of way, they are still not loved. Nobody loved Adolf Hitler. Some may appreciate his policies and admire his pragmatic, forceful leadership, but nobody really loves tyrants. A man of wicked devices is hated.
1. What are the three marks of a fool found in these three verses?
2. How can we avoid being gullible and easily taken by heresies and cults?
3. When your blood starts to boil and you raise your voice, are you acting out of a righteous indignation? What are the indications that you may be responding in sinful, self-oriented anger?