The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
It’s “wisdom” and “folly” that are contrasted here, along with “the prudent” and “fools.”
“The wisdom of the prudent” is understood to be both healthy and positive. And what it does for them is “give thought to their ways.”
Wisdom in the heart and mind of good people helps them think and do better. It also sets them up to be able to offer real help to others.
On the other hand, “the folly of fools is deception!” That’s certainly not going to do them any good and their deception won’t help anyone else, either.
Honesty is so important and deception is the opposite – because it’s deliberate. There’s a saying in recovery — we’re only as sick as our secrets!
Note that “wisdom” and “give thought to their ways” and “deception” all involve our thinking. Right thinking will lead to right feeling, right words and right actions.