Bible Strands
Proverbs 14:18
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses readers of wisdom literature, placing this maxim between a warning about quick temper (v. 17) and a statement on the final submission of the wicked (v. 19).
The words — נָחֲל֣וּ (na.cha.Lu) translates literally as "they inherit," while יַכְתִּ֥רוּ (yakh.Ti.ru) means "they surround" or "crown." The text states that the naive inherit foolishness, while the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
The thread — The inheritance motif parallels Proverbs 3:35, which contrasts the wise inheriting honor with fools facing shame. The crown imagery aligns with 1 Peter 5:4, which promises a fading crown of glory to those who serve.
Why it lands — The verse demands a practical choice between two paths, presenting knowledge and folly as inevitable consequences of one's disposition. It requires the reader to pursue prudence to secure understanding rather than accept the automatic inheritance of simplicity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
- 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
- Proverbs 3:35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.
- Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
- Proverbs 11:29 He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
- Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.
- 2 Timothy 4:8 From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
- Daniel 12:3 Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
- Matthew 23:29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.
- Jeremiah 44:17 Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster.