Focused Passage

Proverbs 14:16

The Fear of the LORD, the Way That Seems Right, and Wisdom for Household, Speech, and Community

The chapter moves through compact wisdom contrasts involving household formation, moral walking, speech, work, prudence, self-deception, emotional life, treatment of the poor, fear of the LORD, patience, righteousness, national life, and wise service.

Berean Standard Bible, Public Domain - Translation notes - Reference sources

16A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.

Study Helps

References and Original Words

Verse 16

Original words

A wise [man]חָכָ֣םH2450Adjective - masculine singularfearsיָ֭רֵאH3373Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singularand turnsוְסָ֣רH5493Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singularfrom evilמֵרָ֑עH7451Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singularbut a foolוּ֝כְסִ֗ילH3684Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singularis carelessוּבוֹטֵֽחַ׃H982Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singularand recklessמִתְעַבֵּ֥רH5674Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular

BSB notes

  • Or fears the LORD

Berean Standard Bible (BSB): CC0 Public Domain Scripture text. Focused passages are drawn from the same reader contract as the full chapter. Reference sources explains external study-link sources.