Posted by Jeff Short on July 5, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
– Proverbs 15:14
The word for
seeketh means to search out and indicates a deliberate search. The word for
knowledge means cunning, perception, and discernment. Proverbs presents wisdom as accessible to all (Proverbs 8:1-11; 9:1-6), but acquired only by those who seek for it (Proverbs 2:1-6). One of the marks of wisdom is to continue to seek for wisdom (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9). The contrast speaks of feeding on
foolishness rather than seeking wisdom. The word for
feedeth means to pasture, or graze. The word for
fools is the most common word in Proverbs for fools. The word means stupid and obstinate. The usage in Proverbs shows the word describes one who chooses the way of folly and not one who is mentally impaired. The fool gobbles up foolishness and spews it out freely (Proverbs 15:2). The fool has no heart or patience for acquiring wisdom (Proverbs 17:6, 24). He prefers his easy foolishness so much he returns to it like a dog to its own vomit (Proverbs 26:11).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 19, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
– Proverbs 14:33
The word for
resteth means to settle down or repose. The
heart, or mind, of him who has discernment retains a store of
wisdom. In light of the parallel, the first phrase also indicates that wisdom is held within with reserve and quietness, not boasting. The contrast points to the
fools who thoughtlessly pour out what they believe is wisdom but is actually foolishness (Proverbs 12:16, 23; 13:16; 15:2, 28; 29:11). Solomon elsewhere noted that a fool’s words and actions continually identifies him as a fool (Ecclesiastes 10:3).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 15, 2017 · Leave a Comment
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
– Proverbs 14:29
Being
slow to wrath is a mark of wisdom as self-control (James 3:17; Proverbs 16:32). Here the man is of
great understanding, or intelligence. The phrase
hasty of spirit means short of breath. It indicates one who is impatient and rash in words and actions. Such a man lacks self-control and particularly over his anger. This is a mark of
folly, or lack of wisdom (Proverbs 14:17; 25:28; Ecclesiastes 7:9). The word for
exalteth means to raise up and it here refers to a public display. Elsewhere, Solomon noted that fools promote shame (Proverbs 3:35). This proverb is one place that links patience with wisdom, so the implication is to grow in patience we must grow in wisdom.
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Posted by Jeff Short on May 25, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
– Proverbs 14:8
Wisdom is to
understand, which means to separate mentally. The
prudent shows wisdom in examining his
way. He considers well and chooses carefully his way (Proverbs 2:9; 14:15). The word for
deceit means a fraud or treachery. This is the way of
fools (Proverbs 11:18). They search for short-cuts and back doors. They are quick to use deceit to gain their ends, so they go in a false way.
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Posted by Jeff Short on May 23, 2017 · Leave a Comment
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
– Proverbs 14:6
The
scorner is a special type of fool in Proverbs. The word means to mock and includes the idea of arrogance. His disdain of correction is a chief obstacle in finding wisdom (Proverbs 9:7-8), and it is why he will not go to the wise (Proverbs 15:12). He fails to find wisdom, not because it cannot be found, but rather because he despises instruction and does not fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Ultimately, the scorner comes to judgment (Proverbs 3:34; 19:29). The word for
easy in the contrasting phrase means lightness and trifling. To have understanding is to have discernment. Here it is to find, or acquire,
knowledge (Proverbs 8:9; 17:24).
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Posted by Jeff Short on May 6, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.
– Proverbs 13:15
The word for
understanding means prudence. The first phrase someone with good sense, who has good judgment. They also give good counsel and do good work and hence earn
favor (Proverbs 3:4; 14:35). The word for
hard means rough and indicates the contrast for
transgressors is a loss of favor. Their way is difficult (Proverbs 4:19).
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Posted by Jeff Short on February 10, 2017 · Leave a Comment
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
– Proverbs 10:23
The word for
sport means laughter and points to enjoyment or pleasure. The word for
mischief literally means a plan and the context dictates whether it is positive or negative. A
fool finds delight in bringing off some evil plan. He is thoroughly pleased when his plans meet with success (Proverbs 2:14; 15:21). By contrast, the man who has
understanding does not delight in making and prosecuting evil plans. He finds no joy in the follies and downfalls of others, but delights in
wisdom. He recognizes the supreme value of wisdom so that he will seek and sacrifice to attain it (Proverbs 2:3-4; 23:23).
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Posted by Jeff Short on January 31, 2017 · Leave a Comment
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
– Proverbs 10:13
The word for
understanding means to separate mentally. We would refer to that as discernment—thinking through something and being able to make distinctions and determine whether good or bad. We might also think of it as insight. The one who has an understanding mind, or heart, will speak forth
wisdom (Proverbs 10:11, 21; 15:7). Jesus also taught in the Gospels that the source of our speech is our heart, or mind (Luke 6:45). The man
void of understanding does not discern and goes on in the way of folly. Because he will not receive instruction, he will come to the
rod of correction (Proverbs 7:22; 26:3; Psalm 32:8-9).
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Posted by Jeff Short on January 10, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
– Proverbs 9:10
The
beginning, or commencement, of wisdom is the reverent fear of God. This is thematic in Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7) and is taught elsewhere as well (Psalm 111:10). Wisdom is to hate evil and through the fear of the Lord we depart from it (Proverbs 8:13; 16:6). Holy fear leads to satisfaction and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It brings us to safety and blessing (Proverbs 29:25; 28:14).
The holy is interpreted variously by commentators and scholars. The Hebrew word is in the plural and is a term applied to God, angels, and saints. From the context, it seems sensible to understand it as referring to God here so that you have both the fear and the knowledge of God to be wisdom and understanding.
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Proverbs 15:14
Posted by Jeff Short on July 5, 2017 · Leave a Comment
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
The word for seeketh means to search out and indicates a deliberate search. The word for knowledge means cunning, perception, and discernment. Proverbs presents wisdom as accessible to all (Proverbs 8:1-11; 9:1-6), but acquired only by those who seek for it (Proverbs 2:1-6). One of the marks of wisdom is to continue to seek for wisdom (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9). The contrast speaks of feeding on foolishness rather than seeking wisdom. The word for feedeth means to pasture, or graze. The word for fools is the most common word in Proverbs for fools. The word means stupid and obstinate. The usage in Proverbs shows the word describes one who chooses the way of folly and not one who is mentally impaired. The fool gobbles up foolishness and spews it out freely (Proverbs 15:2). The fool has no heart or patience for acquiring wisdom (Proverbs 17:6, 24). He prefers his easy foolishness so much he returns to it like a dog to its own vomit (Proverbs 26:11).– Proverbs 15:14
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