Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. Every prudent man acts with knowledgeThe term "prudent" refers to someone who is wise, discerning, and exercises good judgment. In biblical context, prudence is often associated with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 9:10). Acting with knowledge implies making decisions based on understanding and insight, rather than impulse or ignorance. This aligns with the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 4:7, which emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom. The prudent man is akin to the wise builder in Matthew 7:24-25, who builds his house on the rock, symbolizing a life founded on the teachings of Christ. but a fool displays his folly
In contrast, the fool is characterized by a lack of wisdom and understanding. The biblical definition of a fool often includes someone who rejects God's wisdom and guidance, as seen in Psalm 14:1, where the fool says in his heart, "There is no God." Displaying folly means that the fool's actions reveal their lack of judgment and understanding. This is evident in the parable of the foolish builder in Matthew 7:26-27, who builds his house on sand, leading to its destruction. The fool's behavior is often public and obvious, as their actions betray their inner lack of wisdom. This contrast between the prudent and the fool underscores the biblical theme of the two paths: one leading to life and the other to destruction, as highlighted in Proverbs 14:12. Persons / Places / Events 1. Prudent ManRepresents individuals who are wise, thoughtful, and deliberate in their actions. In the context of Proverbs, a prudent person is one who seeks wisdom and understanding, often associated with righteousness and godliness. 2. FoolIn Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often acting impulsively and without consideration of the consequences. The fool is contrasted with the wise or prudent person. 3. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. His writings often contrast the wise and the foolish, providing guidance for living a life that honors God. 4. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was highly valued and seen as a guide for moral and ethical living. 5. Wisdom LiteratureA genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and moral teachings. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom in daily life. Teaching Points The Value of PrudencePrudence involves careful thought and planning. It is essential for making decisions that align with God's will and lead to a fruitful life. Acting with KnowledgeKnowledge should guide our actions. As believers, we are called to seek understanding through prayer, study of Scripture, and wise counsel. The Consequences of FollyFoolishness leads to negative outcomes. It is important to recognize and avoid impulsive actions that can result in harm or regret. Seeking Godly WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God. We should continually seek His guidance in all areas of life, trusting that He will provide the insight we need. Living as an ExampleOur actions reflect our character. By living prudently, we set an example for others and demonstrate the transformative power of God's wisdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of prudence in Proverbs 13:16 relate to the way you make decisions in your daily life? 2. In what ways can you seek to increase your knowledge and understanding to act more prudently? 3. Reflect on a time when acting impulsively led to negative consequences. What could have been done differently with a more prudent approach? 4. How can you apply the principle of seeking godly wisdom from James 1:5 in your current life situation? 5. Consider the impact of your actions on others. How can living prudently serve as a witness to those around you? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 12:23This verse also contrasts the wise and the foolish, highlighting how the wise conceal knowledge while fools proclaim their folly. It reinforces the theme of discretion and understanding. James 1:5Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously. This New Testament connection emphasizes the importance of divine wisdom in making prudent decisions. Ecclesiastes 10:2Discusses the heart of the wise versus the heart of the fool, further illustrating the distinction between prudent and foolish behavior. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Acteth, Acts, Clear, Dealeth, Displays, Exposes, Flaunteth, Flaunts, Folly, Fool, Foolish, Forethought, Layeth, Makes, Open, Prudent, Sharp, Spreadeth, Thoughts, Unfoldeth, WorkethDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 13:16 8757 folly, effects of Proverbs 13:15-22 6024 sin, effects of Library The Tillage of the Poor
'Much food is in the tillage of the poor.'--PROVERBS xiii. 23. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to prevent the acquisition of large estates by any Israelite. The consequence, as intended, was a level of modest prosperity. It was 'the tillage of the poor,' the careful, diligent husbandry of the man who had only a little patch of land to look after, that filled the storehouses of the Holy Land. Hence the proverb of our text arose. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
'There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.'--PROVERBS xiii. 7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, that of a man who lives like a pauper and is rich. The latter character, that of a man who hides and hoards his wealth, was, perhaps, more common in the days when this collection of Proverbs was put together, because in all ill-governed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament
[Sidenote: The various methods of approach] The Old Testament may be studied as literature, as history, as the record of an important stage in the evolution of religion, as the revelation of God to the race, or as a practical aid to the individual in living the true life. Each angle of approach calls for different methods and yields its correspondingly rich results. Studied in accordance with the canons of modern literary investigation, a literature is disclosed of surpassing variety, beauty, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Song of the Redeemed
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou ... hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation ... T he extent, variety, and order of the creation, proclaim the glory of God. He is likewise, ^* Maximus in Minimis . The smallest of the works, that we are capable of examining, such for instance as the eye or the wing of a little insect, the creature of a day, are stamped with an inimitable impression of His wisdom and power. Thus in His written Word, there …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory Not," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c. It is a common evil of those who hear the gospel, that they are not delivered up to the mould and frame of religion that is holden out in it, but rather bring religion into a mould of their own invention. It was the special commendation of the Romans, that they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which they were delivered, (Rom. vi. 17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of sin, had now …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 13:16 NIVProverbs 13:16 NLTProverbs 13:16 ESVProverbs 13:16 NASBProverbs 13:16 KJV
Proverbs 13:16 Commentaries
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