Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart 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.
- KJV Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
- BSB Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is 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 shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
- Prov 15:28The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
- Prov 12:23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
- Prov 29:11A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.
- Prov 13:16Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
- Eccl 10:3Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
- Prov 15:2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
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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