Proverbs 22:3

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Proverbs 22:3 in Other Translations

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

3 A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

3 Sensible people foresee trouble and hide [from it], but gullible people go ahead and suffer [the consequence].

3 A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

3 Wise people see danger and go to a safe place. But childish people keep going and suffer for it.

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 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

4 Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 14:16
• 2. Proverbs 27:12