Proverbs 14:8

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.

Proverbs 14:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:8

The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way
The way of his calling, in which he should abide, and how to manage it in the best manner; the way of his duty, that he may walk inoffensively both towards God and men; and the way of life and salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, which to understand and to walk in is the highest wisdom and prudence; but the folly of fools [is] deceit:
or "the wisdom of fools", which the opposition requires, and is meant, and is what the Holy Ghost calls "folly", as elsewhere, ( 1 Corinthians 3:19 ) ; this is itself "deceit"; it is science, falsely so called; it lies in tricking and deceiving; and the issue of it is, not only the deceiving of others, but themselves also: such is the folly of the man of sin and followers, which lies in deceiving the inhabitants of the earth with their sorceries and superstitions, with their lying wonders and miracles; see ( 2 Thessalonians 2:10 ) ( Revelation 13:14 ) ( 18:23 ) .

Proverbs 14:8 In-Context

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.

9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy.