The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 14:8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way. The wisdom of the prudent is shown by his considering whither his actions lead, the motives from which they spring, the results that attend them. As the apostle enjoins (Ephesians 5:15), "See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise."

Or the clause may be taken as enjoining a wise choice in life, a selection of such a calling or occupation as best suits one's capabilities, station, and opportunities. The folly of fools is deceit. This is not self-deceit, which the word does not denote, but deceit of others.

Stupid persons show their folly in trying to cheat others, though they are sure to be detected, and their fraud recoils on themselves. In the ease of fools, what they would call wisdom is folly; hence the wording of the sentence.

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