Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Parallel translations
- WEB Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
- BSB Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
- NKJV Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
- NASB Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
- NLT Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
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 wise keep wisdom in clear focus, while fools let their attention drift everywhere. Focused pursuit of wisdom contrasts with the fool's aimless distraction.
Overview
Wisdom is set 'before the face' of the understanding person, near at hand and the object of his gaze, while the fool's eyes 'wander to the ends of the earth,' chasing distant fancies. The proverb commends concentrated attentiveness to wisdom rather than restless distraction. Believers find this wisdom supremely in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3), to be sought and kept in view.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Eccl 2:14The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
- Eccl 8:1Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
- Ps 119:37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
- Prov 14:6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
- Prov 23:5Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
- 1 Jn 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
- Prov 15:14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
- John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
- Eccl 6:9Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
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 17:24 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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.