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Do Not Put Faith in Every Word

Proverbs 14:15 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁵The inexperienced^[1] believes everything,
but the shrewd man considers his steps.

The inexperienced believes everything: The Hebrew word (פֶּתִי pethi) rendered inexperienced refers to a person lacking intelligence or common sense, simple-minded, naïve. He is easily deceived because he lacks wisdom. This person is not beyond hope, though, as he has the ability to alter this condition if he so chooses. Believes (אֵמוּן emun or אֵמֻן emun) means the person accepts things that are true or real. The Hebrew phrase (לְכָל־דָּבָר le kol dabar) rendered everything means every word. This would suggest that this inexperienced, simple-minded, naïve person believes every word he hears. He lacks the knowledge, discernment, and wisdom to be able to identify what is true and what is false. He shows extraordinarily little intelligence or good judgment but rather evidence ignorance and possesses a difficulty in understanding.

but the shrewd man considers his steps: The Hebrew (עָרוּם arum) word rendered shrewd; prudent; crafty refers to one who has or shows good powers of judgment, cleverness, sensibility. This one is cautious as he is careful to avoid potential problems or dangers, as he desires to avoid potential problems. Shrewd can refer to a righteous person who has the capacity to understand and is canny, smart, clever, and wise when it comes to his affairs.

It is foolish for anyone to remain in a perpetual state of being inexperienced, lacking intelligence or common sense, and believing everything heard. This is especially true when all men are viewed as liars when compared to God and are mentally bent toward evil (Gen. 6:5; 8:21), with a treacherous heart. (Jer. 17:9) We are wise to be cautious of every word uttered to us. It is the prudent man who will verify before he trusts, and will weigh the integrity of the person and the likelihood of what he claims.

[1] Or simple, naïve