Proverbs 14:15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The simple A foolish man; believeth every word Is easily deceived with the smooth words and fair pretences of false and deceitful men; but the prudent man The man well instructed and truly wise; looketh well to his goings Either, 1st, To his own goings: he ordereth his conversation and dealings in the world with due circumspection, not considering so much what other men say as what he ought to do. Or, 2d, To the goings of the deceiver: that is, he judges of men's words and professions by their conduct, which is a good rule. He is cautious, examining before he believes, and trying before he trusts, especially in matters of great moment; and considering things maturely before he does as he is advised. Bochart observes well upon this verse, that “as prudence without simplicity degenerates into craft, so simplicity without prudence is no better than downright folly. We must follow our Saviour's counsel, and unite the serpent with the dove.”