Proverbs 14:16

A wise person is cautious ¹  and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint ²  and is overconfident. ³ 

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless.

The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.

The wise watch their steps and avoid evil; fools are headstrong and reckless.

The wise man, fearing, keeps himself from evil; but the foolish man goes on in his pride, with no thought of danger.

The wise are cautious and turn away from evil, but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.

A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self–confident.

A wise person is cautious ¹  and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint ²  and is overconfident. ³ 

¹ tn Heb “fears.” Since the holy name (Yahweh, translated “the Lord”) is not used, it probably does not here mean fear of the Lord, but of the consequences of actions.

² tn The Hitpael of עָבַר (’avar, “to pass over”) means “to pass over the bounds of propriety; to act insolently” (BDB 720 s.v.; cf. ASV “beareth himself insolently”).

³ tn The verb בָּטַח here denotes self-assurance or overconfidence. Fools are not cautious and do not fear the consequences of their actions.