Proverbs 14:6 kjv

A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

Proverbs 14:6 nkjv

A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands.

Proverbs 14:6 niv

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Proverbs 14:6 esv

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Proverbs 14:6 nlt

A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 6 Meaning

This verse highlights a stark contrast in the acquisition of truth. It states that individuals who are scorners—those who mock, ridicule, or disdain wisdom and righteous instruction—will fruitlessly search for genuine insight. Conversely, true knowledge is readily accessible and easily grasped by those who possess a discerning, humble, and receptive heart, indicating that spiritual and intellectual apprehension is profoundly influenced by one's moral and spiritual disposition.

Proverbs 14 6 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 belongs to the broader collection of Solomonic proverbs, designed to impart practical and moral instruction for righteous living. This chapter frequently contrasts various characters—the wise vs. the fool, the upright vs. the perverse—to highlight the consequences of different paths. Verse 6, specifically, contrasts the futile intellectual pursuit of the scorner with the effortless reception of knowledge by the understanding person. It functions within the overarching theme of Proverbs, asserting that true wisdom (moral, spiritual, and practical discernment) is rooted in a right relationship with God and a humble, teachable spirit, not merely in intellectual prowess or critical skepticism. The historical and cultural context values wisdom as essential for personal flourishing and societal stability, making the attainment of it a crucial life endeavor.

Proverbs 14 6 Word analysis

• A scorner (לֵץ - letz): One who mocks or scoffs, especially at divine instruction, moral standards, and those who uphold them. A letz is characterized by arrogance, an unwillingness to learn from correction, and often delights in contempt for truth and righteousness. This person stands in direct opposition to the wise.

• Seeketh (בִּקֶשׁ - biqqesh): Implies an active search or diligent pursuit. However, in this context, the scorner's "seeking" is superficial; it may be driven by intellectual curiosity, a desire to argue, or to find fault, rather than a sincere, humble quest for truth and understanding that leads to transformation.

• Wisdom (חָכְמָה - chokhmah): In Proverbs, chokhmah denotes divine wisdom, encompassing not only intellectual insight but also skill in godly living, moral discernment, and practical understanding of God's ways for a flourishing life. It is fundamentally rooted in the fear of the LORD.

• And findeth it not: This indicates the absolute failure of the scorner to truly grasp or benefit from wisdom. Their cynical, proud, and rebellious disposition creates a spiritual and intellectual block, rendering them incapable of discerning the profound truths of wisdom. The inability to find wisdom is a direct consequence of their character, not wisdom's scarcity.

• But knowledge (דַּעַת - da'at): Refers to acquaintance with facts, information, and conceptual understanding. While related to chokhmah, da'at can be seen as the factual component or precursor that leads to wisdom. It's often associated with divine revelation and righteous discernment.

• Is easy (קַל - qal): Simple, light, readily acquired, not difficult. For the properly disposed individual, knowledge flows naturally and effortlessly, not because it is simplistic in content, but because the recipient's heart and mind are open and receptive.

• Unto him that understandeth (לְנָב֑וֹן - l'navon): To one who possesses discernment, insight, and a perceptive spirit. This person is characterized by spiritual acumen, humility, and an openness to truth. Their "understanding" is not merely intellectual capacity but includes a moral willingness to perceive and embrace truth.

• A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: This phrase conveys the futility of seeking profound truth with a wrong heart attitude. The scorner, despite outward attempts to engage with wisdom, is inwardly resistant and hostile to the moral and spiritual implications of true wisdom. Their search is void of genuine humility and a desire for righteousness, rendering it a barren pursuit that never yields true understanding.

• But knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth: This contrasting phrase underscores that receptivity and a righteous disposition are paramount for learning. For those with a humble, discerning, and teachable heart—those who are genuinely seeking truth for life application—knowledge is easily obtained. Their proper inner posture removes the obstacles that pride and cynicism impose, allowing them to grasp and integrate truth readily.

Proverbs 14 6 Bonus section

The concept of the letz (scorner) is pervasive throughout Proverbs, serving as a cautionary archetype representing the antithesis of wisdom. The book advises avoiding such individuals (Ps 1:1), warns against trying to correct them (Pr 9:7-8), and states that God Himself scorns the scornful (Pr 3:34). This demonstrates that the scorner's state is not just a personal intellectual failing, but a moral offense against God and His established order. The "ease" with which the understanding person gains knowledge is not just cognitive, but also relational – they are aligned with the source of all knowledge, God Himself, through humility and reverence, leading to a frictionless flow of truth. This aligns with New Testament teachings on spiritual discernment, where "spiritual things are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14) and true understanding is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 14 6 Commentary

Proverbs 14:6 articulates a fundamental spiritual principle: the access to true wisdom and knowledge is conditional not primarily on intellectual brilliance, but on moral character and spiritual disposition. The "scorner" exemplifies a hardened heart, someone who actively despises correction, divine truth, and those who walk in righteousness. Even if such a person engages in intellectual pursuits or discussions about profound topics, their underlying arrogance, cynicism, and unwillingness to submit to higher authority create an insurmountable barrier. They may "seek" wisdom outwardly, perhaps to dissect, mock, or control it, but they will "find it not" because wisdom, intrinsically linked to the fear of the Lord and righteousness, cannot be apprehended by a rebellious spirit.

In sharp contrast, "knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth." This refers to an individual who is humble, teachable, and genuinely desirous of truth and insight. Their understanding (נָב֑וֹן, navon) is rooted in a discerning and upright heart that is open to instruction and correction. For such a person, whether the subject is practical life lessons or deep spiritual truths, knowledge comes effortlessly. This ease doesn't imply simplicity of the subject matter, but rather the frictionless reception enabled by a spirit devoid of pride and resistant to mockery. The verse teaches that genuine spiritual and moral understanding is a gift granted to the receptive, while it remains eternally elusive to the proud and cynical.

Examples:

• An individual who critiques religious texts merely to expose perceived flaws, but never embraces the transforming truth within them.
• A student who grasps complex concepts quickly because they are humble and willing to admit what they don't know, actively seeking help, while a proud student struggles, unwilling to ask.
• Someone whose life demonstrates practical wisdom and understanding in challenging situations because they walk humbly with God, seeking His guidance, rather than relying on their own flawed intellect.