The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
A naive person believes everything they hear, but a wise person carefully considers their steps and decisions.
This verse contrasts gullible people who accept everything at face value with wise people who think carefully before acting or believing.
📚 Historical Context
Proverbs was written by King Solomon as part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, offering practical advice for living wisely in ancient Israel. In that culture, people faced daily challenges where gullibility could lead to harm, so these sayings emphasized the importance of discernment to avoid folly. This verse specifically highlights the contrast between the naive individual who trusts everything and the cautious person who carefully considers their path.
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