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Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

<!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 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_18_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 18:2 - The Selfishness of the Unfriendly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions." /><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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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A fool does not delight in discernment, But only in revealing his own heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fools have no desire to learn, instead they would rather give their own opinion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may reveal itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, "" But in uncovering his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The foolish one will not delight in understanding, but in, the disclosings of his heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The foolish do not accept words of prudence, unless you say what is already turning in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Fools take no delight in understanding, but only in displaying what they think. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A fool has no delight in wisdom, because his mind devises folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in wisdom because his heart meditates upon madness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may lay itself bare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-2.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=3521" 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/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: k&#601;&#183;s&#238;l (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">A fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: l&#333;- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2654.htm" title="2654: ya&#7717;&#183;p&#333;&#7779; (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire.">delight</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: bi&#7791;&#183;&#7687;&#363;&#183;n&#257;h (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">in understanding,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: k&#238; (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">but only</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: &#8217;im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: b&#601;&#183;hi&#7791;&#183;gal&#183;l&#333;&#183;w&#7791; (Prep-b:: V-Hitpael-Inf) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">in airing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib&#183;b&#333;w (N-msc:: 3ms) -- 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.">his opinions.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<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="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></span><br />Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:14</a></span><br />Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.<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="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Proverbs 10:8</a></span><br />A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a></span><br />He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a></span><br />The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Proverbs 9:7-8</a></span><br />He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9</a></span><br />Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.</p><p class="hdg">fool</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7,22</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> the beginning of knowledge: <i>but</i> fools despise wisdom and instruction&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Proverbs 17:16</a></b></br> Wherefore <i>is there</i> a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing <i>he hath</i> no heart <i>to it</i>?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1,2</a></b></br> Blessed <i>is</i> the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful&#8230; </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-15.htm">Numbers 24:15,16</a></b></br> And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12</a></b></br> Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual <i>gifts</i>, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Philippians 1:15</a></b></br> Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-25.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Delighteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Discover</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Expressing</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-6.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">Opinions</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">Reveal</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Revealing</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/job/12-22.htm">Uncovering</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Understanding</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-25.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Delighteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Discover</a> <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">Expressing</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Opinions</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Reveal</a> <a href="/daniel/2-22.htm">Revealing</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-7.htm">Uncovering</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Understanding</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>A fool does not delight in understanding</b><br>In biblical literature, the term "fool" often refers to someone who is morally deficient or lacks wisdom, rather than merely lacking intelligence. The Hebrew word used here, "kesil," implies a person who is obstinate and rejects wisdom. This phrase highlights a common theme in Proverbs: the contrast between wisdom and folly. Understanding, in this context, is not just intellectual knowledge but a deeper comprehension of God's ways and moral truths. The fool's lack of delight in understanding suggests a willful ignorance and a preference for self-centeredness. This aligns with other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, which states that fools despise wisdom and instruction.<p><b>but only in airing his opinions</b><br>This phrase underscores the fool's desire to express his own thoughts without regard for truth or wisdom. The emphasis is on self-expression rather than seeking truth or understanding. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where oral tradition and communal wisdom were highly valued, this behavior would be seen as disruptive and prideful. The fool's focus on his own opinions reflects a heart condition that prioritizes self over community and God. This is reminiscent of <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak," highlighting the value of listening and understanding over speaking one's mind. The fool's behavior is antithetical to the humility and teachability that are hallmarks of a wise person.<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 often contrast the wise and the foolish.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by pride and a lack of discernment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/understanding.htm">Understanding</a></b><br>This refers to the ability to comprehend and apply wisdom, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/o/opinions.htm">Opinions</a></b><br>The verse highlights the tendency of fools to prioritize their own views over seeking true understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_understanding_first.htm">Seek Understanding First</a></b><br>Before expressing opinions, prioritize gaining understanding. This aligns with the biblical call to wisdom and discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_against_pride.htm">Guard Against Pride</a></b><br>Recognize that the desire to always share one's opinion can stem from pride. Humility is essential in the pursuit of wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_wise_counsel.htm">Value Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Surround yourself with wise individuals and be open to their insights. This helps prevent the folly of self-centered thinking.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practice_active_listening.htm">Practice Active Listening</a></b><br>Develop the habit of listening more than speaking. This not only fosters understanding but also reflects a Christ-like character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflect_on_your_motives.htm">Reflect on Your Motives</a></b><br>Before speaking, consider whether your words are meant to edify and build up others or simply to assert your own views.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_mention_hell_more_than_heaven.htm">What does the Bible say about critical thinking?</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/why_judge_without_full_story.htm">Why judge before knowing the full story?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_child_marriage.htm">What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">But that his heart may discover itself--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>unless his cleverness can be displayed thereby; he does not prize understanding for itself, apart from his own interests.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A fool hath no delight in understanding.</span> This may mean that he takes no pleasure in the wisdom of others, is self-opinionated; or, it may be, does not care for understanding in itself, apart from the use which he can make of it. Vulgate, "The fool receives not the words of wisdom;" Septuagint, "A man of no sense has no need of wisdom." To try to teach a fool is to cast pearls before swine, and to give that which is holy unto dogs. <span class="cmt_word">But that his heart may discover itself;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> his only delight is in revealing his heart, displaying his un-wisdom and his foolish thoughts, as in <a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Proverbs 12:28</a>; <a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a>. He thinks that thus he is showing himself superior to others, and benefiting the world at large. The LXX. gives the reason, "For rather by folly he is led." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-2.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 fool</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1456;&#1453;&#1505;&#1460;&#1497;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#601;&#183;s&#238;l)</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">does not</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1465;&#1469;&#1488;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#333;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">delight</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1463;&#1495;&#1456;&#1508;&#1468;&#1465;&#1443;&#1509;</span> <span class="translit">(ya&#7717;&#183;p&#333;&#7779;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2654.htm">Strong's 2654: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in understanding,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1460;&#1514;&#1456;&#1489;&#1493;&#1468;&#1504;&#1464;&#1425;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(bi&#7791;&#183;&#7687;&#363;&#183;n&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but only</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1460;&#1437;&#1431;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in airing</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1492;&#1460;&#1514;&#1456;&#1490;&#1468;&#1463;&#1500;&#1468;&#1445;&#1493;&#1465;&#1514;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;hi&#7791;&#183;gal&#183;l&#333;&#183;w&#7791;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> </span><span class="str2">To denude, to exile, to reveal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his opinions.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1460;&#1489;&#1468;&#1469;&#1493;&#1465;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(lib&#183;b&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:3" /></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>

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