Proverbs 14:16-17 A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident. He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
‘A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.’ A wise man fears God and never trusts himself to depart from evil, but the fool boasts self-confidence.
‘He that is soon angry deals foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.’ A quickly angered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked schemes is hated.
Characteristics of a wise man: He hears and obeys parents (1:5; 23:24). He increases knowledge (1:5; 12:15). He profits by examples (6:6). He profits by rebukes (9:8; 15:31). He increases wisdom (9:9). He is diligent in business (10:5). He welcomes commandments (10:8). He lays up knowledge (10:14). He controls lips, his tongue (10:10; 17:28). He rules well (11:29). He is a success in soul-winning (11:30). He loves company of wise men (13:20). He builds for the future (14:1). He departs from evil (14:16). He utters knowledge rightly (15:2, 7). He makes parents happy (23:15). He seeks knowledge (18:15). He lives in soberness (20:1). He solves problems of men (21:22). He increases strength (24:5). He keeps the law (28:7). He turns away from contention (29:8). He controls himself in times of strife (29:11).
Living the Word 