Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Parallel translations
- WEB Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
- BSB Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.
- NKJV Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.
- NASB Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But among fools it is made known.
- NLT Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Wisdom rests quietly in the discerning heart, but even fools cannot hide their true nature. Wisdom and folly each make themselves known.
Overview
Wisdom dwells settled and at home in the understanding heart, whereas what is in the fool eventually becomes evident. The proverb contrasts the quiet depth of the wise with the inevitable exposure of folly. It encourages cultivating inward wisdom that reflects the fear of the LORD rather than mere outward show.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- Prov 12:16A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
- Prov 15:28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
- Prov 12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
- Prov 29:11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
- Prov 13:16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
- Eccl 10:3Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
- Prov 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 14:33 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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