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The Shrewd Differ from the Inexperienced Ones

Proverbs 14:18 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁸The inexperienced^[1] inherit foolishness,
but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.

The inexperienced inherit foolishness: 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. The Hebrew (נָחַל nachal) inherit has the same meaning in English, receive something as an heir at the death of the previous holder. The foolishness (אִוֶּלֶת ivveleth) of the foolish one, who has the trait of acting stupidly or rashly because he is devoid of wisdom or understanding, also has the sense within the Hebrew noun that draws attention to the evil behaviors which occur in this state.

but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge: 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. Knowledge (דַּעַת daath) is the possession of information learned by personal experience, observation, or study. It includes wisdom, understanding, insight, and the ability to live successfully apply what has been taken into one’s heart and mind. The Bible strongly urges us to seek and treasure accurate knowledge, as it is far superior to gold. – Prov. 8:10; 20:15.

Sin, missing the mark of perfection, or willful sin, is the shame that sinners with even a bit of conscience must carry. The inexperienced or simple, naïve simplicity can only offer a very limited of benefits to one’s life. Many lack good sense and are foolish because their parents never gave them any real-life skills. Our sinful nature and all the calamities that come upon us from our first parents, Adam and Eve. (Rom. 5:12) All of us are mentally bent toward evil. (Gen. 6:5; 8:21) All of us have a treacherous heart, which we cannot even fully know. (Jer. 17:9) It means we all have a mind that is capable of betrayal or deception and is dangerous. All of us have the natural desire to do bad. (Rom. 7:21-25) We have inherited the disease of sin, making us capable of being wicked, corrupt, depraved, and immoral. Many relish in this corrupt state like a person who has inherited great wealth and is reluctant or unwilling to part with it. Much of what they value in life is foolish. These ones will have a great regretful moment for their foolish choices at the hour of their death, resulting in eternal destruction.

The shrewd man brings honor to himself. The shrewd, prudent, crafty garner for themselves knowledge, it is for them what leads to life now and eternal life. They are determined in their pursuit of knowledge, which they will not part with. They seek, they search; it is a quest to acquire more in-depth knowledge. While knowledge is no guarantee that one will grow spiritually or receive eternal life, the opposite, lacking knowledge, is a guarantee. All servants of God should desire knowledge, discernment, understanding, insight, and wisdom.

[1] Or simple, naïve