The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
– Proverbs 14:18
[T]he word for inherit means to acquire and it speaks of the reward to the simple. The simple man is easily led astray. If not corrected, he progresses in his simplicity until he fully possesses folly (Proverbs 19:25; 1:32). On the other hand, the prudent grow in wisdom until they are compassed with knowledge (Proverbs 3:35; 4:7-9). The word for crowned means to encircle round. It’s uncertain if the meaning is an ornament, but it definitely speaks to the reward of wisdom. The good news is the simple are called upon to come to wisdom (Proverbs 9:4-6). Those who do are prudent and gain the reward of wisdom (Proverbs 9:9-11).