The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Parallel translations
- KJV The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
- BSB A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
- NKJV The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
- NASB The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
- NLT A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
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
The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but fools feed on folly. We are nourished by what we pursue.
Overview
The understanding heart hungers and searches for knowledge, while the fool's appetite is for folly. The proverb pictures the mind as feeding on what it craves, for good or ill. It urges us to set our desires on true wisdom, ultimately found in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Prov 9:9Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
- Isa 30:10who tell the seers, “Don’t see!” and to the prophets, “Don’t prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.
- Prov 18:15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- 2 Pet 3:18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
- Acts 17:11Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
- Prov 1:5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
- Hos 12:1Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.
- 1 Kgs 3:6–12Solomon said, “You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, because he walked before you in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you. You have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today.
- Ps 119:97How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
- Isa 44:20He feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned him aside; and he can’t deliver his soul, nor say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?”
- Ps 119:100I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.
- Prov 12:23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim 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 15:14 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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