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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the intelligent <i>and</i> discerning seeks knowledge <i>and</i> eagerly inquires after it, But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Intelligent people want to learn, but stupid people are satisfied with ignorance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the intelligent seeks knowledge, "" And the mouth of fools enjoys folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heart of him understanding will seek knowledge: and the face of the foolish will feed folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise seeks doctrine. And the mouth of the foolish feeds on ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the just seeks knowledge; but the mouth of the wicked utters evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous seeks knowledge, and the mouth of the evil speaks evil things.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-14.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=2898" 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/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: nā·ḇō·wn (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">A discerning</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: yə·ḇaq·qeš- (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seeks</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: dā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ə·nē (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">but the mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: yir·‘eh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">feeds on</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ’iw·we·leṯ (N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">folly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.…<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="/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="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3-5</a></span><br />if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a></span><br />Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a></span><br />let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Proverbs 23:12</a></span><br />Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25</a></span><br />I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a></span><br />Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-66.htm">Psalm 119:66</a></span><br />Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-125.htm">Psalm 119:125</a></span><br />I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a></span><br />Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-12.htm">Matthew 13:12</a></span><br />Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a></span><br />So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.</p><p class="hdg">heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a></b></br> A wise <i>man</i> will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a></b></br> Give <i>instruction</i> to a wise <i>man</i>, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just <i>man</i>, and he will increase in learning.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-6.htm">1 Kings 3:6-12</a></b></br> And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as <i>it is</i> this day… </p><p class="hdg">the mouth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a></b></br> A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10</a></b></br> Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm">Isaiah 44:20</a></b></br> He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, <i>Is there</i> not a lie in my right hand?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/psalms/80-13.htm">Feedeth</a> <a href="/psalms/80-13.htm">Feeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-27.htm">Search</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-24.htm">Unwise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/songs/2-16.htm">Feedeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm">Feeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-26.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm">Search</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Unwise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</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/15.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/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A discerning heart seeks knowledge</b><br>A discerning heart refers to an individual who possesses wisdom and understanding, qualities highly valued in biblical literature. In the Hebrew context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought and decision-making, not just emotion. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom, as seen in Solomon's request for a discerning heart to govern the people (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>). Seeking knowledge implies an active pursuit of truth and understanding, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs (<a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Proverbs 2:3-6</a>). This pursuit is not merely intellectual but also spiritual, as true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The discerning heart is contrasted with the fool, highlighting the importance of intentionality in seeking wisdom.<p><b>but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly</b><br>The mouth of a fool represents someone who speaks without wisdom or understanding, often leading to destructive outcomes. In biblical times, the fool is characterized by a rejection of wisdom and moral guidance, as seen in <a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>, where the fool denies God. Feeding on folly suggests a continual consumption and perpetuation of foolishness, indicating a preference for ignorance over truth. This behavior is self-destructive and contrasts sharply with the pursuit of knowledge. The imagery of feeding implies that what one consumes, whether wisdom or folly, will ultimately shape one's character and actions. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart (<a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18</a>). The fool's reliance on folly underscores the biblical warning against complacency in spiritual and moral growth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs offer practical insights into living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_discerning_heart.htm">The Discerning Heart</a></b><br>Represents individuals who are wise and seek understanding and knowledge, aligning their hearts with God's wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often leading to destructive behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_knowledge.htm">Pursuit of Knowledge</a></b><br>A discerning heart actively seeks knowledge and understanding. This pursuit is not passive but requires intentional effort and a desire to grow in wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_folly.htm">Guarding Against Folly</a></b><br>The mouth of a fool feeds on folly, indicating a continuous consumption of foolishness. Believers must guard their hearts and minds against influences that lead away from God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>Our words reflect the state of our hearts. A discerning heart will produce speech that is edifying and wise, while a foolish heart will result in harmful and unwise words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment.htm">The Role of Discernment</a></b><br>Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between truth and error. It enables believers to navigate life's complexities with godly wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart's_condition.htm">The Heart's Condition</a></b><br>The condition of one's heart determines their pursuit. A heart aligned with God will naturally seek His wisdom and knowledge.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_acting_foolishly.htm">What are the consequences of acting foolishly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_generalist's_knowledge.htm">What defines a generalist's approach to knowledge?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_injustice_to_persist.htm">In Psalm 94:9, it says God hears and sees all; why then do injustices appear to persist unchecked in our world?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_19_14_limit_free_will.htm">Proverbs 19:14 credits God alone for providing a prudent spouse--does this diminish human choice or contradict free will elsewhere in Scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge</span> (<a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15</a>). The wise man knows that he knows nothing, and is always seeking to learn more. <p><span class="greek">Σοφία γάρ ἐστι καὶ μαθεῖν ο} μὴ νοεῖς</span> <p><span class="accented">"To learn what thou hast never thought is wisdom."</span> <span class="cmt_word">The mouth of fools.</span> Another reading, is "the face of fools;" but the former is more suitable to what follows. <span class="cmt_word">Feedeth on foolishness.</span> So the Vulgate and Septuagint, "The mouth of the undisciplined knoweth evil." The fool is always gaping and devouring every silly, or slanderous, or wicked word that comes in his way, and in his turn utters and disseminates it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-14.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">A discerning</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֭בוֹן</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḇō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - 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">heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seeks</span><br /><span class="heb">יְבַקֶּשׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇaq·qeš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֑עַת</span> <span class="translit">(dā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular 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 a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְ֝סִילִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<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">feeds on</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְעֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(yir·‘eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">folly.</span><br /><span class="heb">אִוֶּֽלֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:14 The heart of one who has understanding (Prov. 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