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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/17-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_17_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 17:24 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but the eyes of a fool <i>are</i> in the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Wisdom <i>is</i> in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool <i>are</i> on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Wisdom is in the presence of the one who understands, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it], But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive, but a fool’s eyes roam to the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive, but a fool&#8217s eyes roam to the ends of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Anyone with wisdom knows what makes good sense, but fools can never make up their minds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding: but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is directly in front of an understanding person, but the eyes of a fool [are looking around]all over the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A person with understanding has wisdom as his objective, but a fool looks only to earthly goals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander everywhere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The face of the intelligent [is] to wisdom, "" And the eyes of a fool—at the end of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The face of the intelligent is to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool -- at the end of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom, is with the face of him understanding, and the eyes of the foolish one are in the ends of the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Prudence shines from the face of the wise. The eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />On the countenance of a discerning person is wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The face of a man of understanding is set toward wisdom; but the eyes of a fool are in the depths of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The face of an intelligent one observes wisdom, and the eyes of a fool are in the depths of the Earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool <i>go</i> to the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3473" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">Wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">is the focus</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: mê·ḇîn (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">of the discerning,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: wə·‘ê·nê (Conj-w:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">but the eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sîl (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/7097.htm" title="7097: biq·ṣêh- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- End, extremity. Or qetseh; from qatsah; an extremity.">wander to the ends</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the earth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:14</a></span><br />The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22-23</a></span><br />The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. / But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a></span><br />A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a></span><br />Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a></span><br />A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25-27</a></span><br />Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></span><br />Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13-14</a></span><br />Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15</a></span><br />The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a></span><br />The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a></span><br />Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Wisdom is before him that has understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.</p><p class="hdg">before</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a></b></br> A scorner seeketh wisdom, and <i>findeth it</i> not: but knowledge <i>is</i> easy unto him that understandeth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a></b></br> The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:14</a></b></br> The wise man's eyes <i>are</i> in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.</p><p class="hdg">the eyes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5</a></b></br> Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for <i>riches</i> certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-37.htm">Psalm 119:37</a></b></br> Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; <i>and</i> quicken thou me in thy way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this <i>is</i> also vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Ends</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-21.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Fool's</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">View</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Wander</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Ends</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-25.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Fool's</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">View</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Wander</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Wisdom is the focus of the discerning</b><br>This phrase highlights the centrality of wisdom in the life of a discerning person. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>) and is considered a divine gift that guides moral and ethical living. The discerning individual prioritizes wisdom, seeking it as a treasure (<a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Proverbs 2:4</a>). This focus is not merely intellectual but involves a heart aligned with God's will, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom to govern God's people (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>). The discerning person is contrasted with those who are easily distracted by worldly pursuits, emphasizing the importance of a steadfast commitment to godly principles.<p><b>but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth</b><br>This part of the verse contrasts the fool with the discerning person. The fool's eyes "wander," indicating a lack of focus and purpose. In biblical literature, the fool is often characterized by a rejection of wisdom and a propensity for folly (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The phrase "to the ends of the earth" suggests a restless pursuit of worldly pleasures and distractions, reminiscent of the Prodigal Son's journey to a distant country (<a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Luke 15:13</a>). This wandering can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual aimlessness, where the fool seeks fulfillment in transient things rather than in the eternal truths of God. The imagery of wandering eyes also recalls the temptation of Eve in <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a>, where the desire for what is seen leads to sin. This serves as a warning against the dangers of being led astray by superficial attractions, urging a return to the pursuit of divine wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_discerning.htm">The Discerning</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who possess insight and understanding, often characterized by their ability to make wise decisions and focus on what is truly important.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often making poor choices and being easily distracted by trivial matters.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ends_of_the_earth.htm">The Ends of the Earth</a></b><br>This phrase symbolizes the vast and often unattainable distractions that can lead a person away from wisdom and focus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_focused_wisdom.htm">The Value of Focused Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom requires intentional focus and discernment. It is not passive but actively pursued by those who seek to live righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_distraction.htm">The Danger of Distraction</a></b><br>Like the fool whose eyes wander, distractions can lead us away from God's path. We must guard against letting our attention be drawn to things that do not edify or build us up spiritually.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God. We should continually seek His guidance through prayer and study of His Word to remain focused and discerning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Discernment in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Discernment helps us to evaluate situations and make choices that align with God's will. It is a crucial aspect of living a life that honors Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>A lack of focus and wisdom can lead to poor decisions and negative consequences. Understanding this helps us to appreciate the importance of seeking wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fools.htm">What does the Bible say about fools?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/repay_evil_with_evil.htm">Should we repay evil with evil? (Proverbs 24:29 vs. Romans 12:17)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_11_clash_with_compassion.htm">Proverbs 26:11: Does comparing a fool to a dog returning to its vomit present a historical or cultural context that might clash with more compassionate teachings elsewhere?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_mocking_the_poor_go_unpunished.htm">Proverbs 17:5 suggests God is directly involved in consequences for mocking the poor. How do we reconcile this with observable reality where such mockery often seems unpunished?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">Wisdom is before him that hath understanding</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>he can easily find her.<p><span class= "bld">But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.</span>--He is looking for her everywhere, while all the time she lies straight before him. (For the thought, comp. <a href="/context/deuteronomy/30-11.htm" title="For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off.">Deuteronomy 30:11-14</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wisdom is before</span> [the face of] <span class="cmt_word">him that hath understanding.</span> The idea is that the intelligent man directs his look towards Wisdom, and therefore she beams upon him with all her light; as the Vulgate puts it, "In the face of the prudent wisdom shines." He has one object to which he directs all his attention (<a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a>). The Septuagint rendering is not so satisfactory: "The countenance of a prudent man is wise;" he shows in his look and bearing the wisdom that guides him. Thus <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1</a>, "A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed." <span class="cmt_word">The eyes of a fool are in the</span> <span class="cmt_word">ends of the earth</span>. A fool has no one definite object in view; he pursues a hundred different things, as they happen to come in his way, but misses the most important quest of all and fritters away the powers which might have aided him to obtain wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is the focus</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the discerning,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵבִ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵינֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְ֝סִ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wander to the ends</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּקְצֵה־</span> <span class="translit">(biq·ṣêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7097.htm">Strong's 7097: </a> </span><span class="str2">End, extremity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the earth.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-24.htm">Proverbs 17:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>