Text -- Proverbs 14:16 (NET)

14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is overconfident.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Pro 14:16

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.