Proverbs 14:16-18 - Compare All Versions
Proverbs 14:16-18 MSG (The Message)
The wise watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless. The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret; the coldhearted get the cold shoulder. Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground.
Proverbs 14:16-18 KJV (King James Version)
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: But the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: And a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly: But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 NASB1995 (New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995)
A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated. The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 NCV (New Century Version)
Wise people are careful and stay out of trouble, but fools are careless and quick to act. Someone with a quick temper does foolish things, but someone with understanding remains calm. Fools are rewarded with nothing but more foolishness, but the wise are rewarded with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 ASV (American Standard Version)
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident. He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 NIV (New International Version)
The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 NKJV (New King James Version)
A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 AMP (Amplified Bible)
A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, But the fool is arrogant and careless. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and without self-control, And a man of wicked schemes is hated. The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 NLT (New Living Translation)
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 TPT (The Passion Translation)
A wise person is careful in all things and turns quickly from evil, while the impetuous fool moves ahead with overconfidence. An impulsive person has a short fuse and can ruin everything, but the wise show self-control. The naïve demonstrate a lack of wisdom, but the lovers of wisdom are crowned with revelation-knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16-18 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.