Proverbs 22:3

3 The clever see trouble coming and hide; the simple go on and pay the penalty.

Proverbs 22:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:3

A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself
A wise man, whose eyes are in his head, who looks about him and before him, and is cautious and careful of his conduct and behaviour; he foresees the evil of sin he is liable to be drawn into by such and such company, snares, and temptations; and therefore he keeps from them, and abstains from all appearance of evil, or what would lead him to it; and he foresees the evil of punishment, or the judgments of God that are coming on for sin; and he betakes himself to the Lord, to those hiding places and chambers of retreat and protection he has provided for his people, till the indignation be overpast; see ( Isaiah 26:20 ) ; but the simple pass on, and are punished:
foolish persons, devoid of the grace of God and the fear of him, go on careless and unconcerned in their sinful course of life, transgressing the law of God; they proceed from evil to evil, from lesser to greater sins; they go on in the broad road to destruction, and are punished with temporal judgments here, and with everlasting destruction hereafter.

Proverbs 22:3 In-Context

1 Rather than wealth, choose a good reputation, esteem over silver and gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common -ADONAI made them both.

3 The clever see trouble coming and hide; the simple go on and pay the penalty.

4 The reward for humility is fear of ADONAI, along with wealth, honor and life.

5 Thorns and snares beset the way of the stubborn; he who values his life keeps his distance from them.