Proverbs 15:14 kjv

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Proverbs 15:14 nkjv

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

Proverbs 15:14 niv

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:14 esv

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Proverbs 15:14 nlt

A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
while the fool feeds on trash.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 14 Meaning

This verse contrasts the fundamental disposition and pursuits of two distinct individuals: one with understanding and one who is foolish. It teaches that a discerning heart inherently seeks knowledge and truth, actively pursuing deeper comprehension. Conversely, a fool's natural inclination is to dwell on and derive satisfaction from foolishness, even to the point of "feeding" upon it, suggesting a deep preoccupation and enjoyment of that which lacks wisdom.

Proverbs 15 14 Context

Proverbs 15, like much of the book, consists of short, contrasting proverbial sayings that illuminate the path of wisdom versus folly, and righteousness versus wickedness. The immediate context of Proverbs 15 often juxtaposes the effects of speech and attitude (e.g., vv. 1-4, 7). This specific verse fits within the broader theme of the mind's disposition leading to outward behavior and speech. Historically and culturally, ancient Israelite wisdom literature highly valued the pursuit of divine and practical knowledge for successful living and a right relationship with God. This wisdom often presented a dichotomy, strongly favoring the wise and admonishing the foolish. It serves as an indirect polemic against casual ignorance or any belief system that diminishes the importance of diligent searching for truth.

Proverbs 15 14 Word Analysis

• The heart (לֵב - lev): In Hebrew thought, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the entire inner being—intellect, will, desires, and moral consciousness. It's the core of one's identity and decision-making. Its condition determines character and action.

• of him that hath understanding (נָבוֹן - navon): From the root bin (בִּין), meaning "to discern, distinguish, perceive." This is more than mere intellect; it implies an active, keen faculty of insight, the ability to discern differences and comprehend situations or truths deeply. This person is characterized by discernment and good judgment.

• seeketh (יְבַקֶּשׁ - yevaqqesh): This verb implies an active, diligent, and purposeful search or request. It signifies a strong desire and effort to find or obtain something, not passive reception. The "understanding heart" does not merely stumble upon knowledge; it pursues it.

• knowledge (דָּעַת - da'at): Refers to cognitive understanding, awareness, and acquaintance with facts, truths, and principles. In a biblical context, it often implies experiential and moral knowledge, not just intellectual information. It's understanding God's ways and moral truths.

• but (וּפִי - uphi): This conjunction (preceded by u, meaning "and/but") clearly signals a sharp contrast, separating the wise from the foolish.

• the mouth (פִּי - pi): The mouth here represents not just the physical organ, but all that proceeds from it: speech, expressions, pronouncements, and the verbal consumption of ideas. It is the outflow of the inner person.

• of fools (כְסִילִים - k'silim): Refers to a specific type of fool in Proverbs. Unlike simpletons who lack experience, kesilim are often characterized by stubbornness, moral obstinacy, self-confidence in their own misguided ways, and a despising of instruction and wisdom. They are morally defective.

• feedeth on (יִרְעֶה - yir'eh): From the verb ra'ah (רָעָה), meaning "to pasture, tend, feed (animals)." This is a striking metaphor. It depicts the fool as one who consumes, dwells upon, and even delights in foolishness, much like an animal grazing in a field. It suggests absorption, preoccupation, and satisfaction. They do not just encounter foolishness; they immerse themselves in it as their nourishment.

• foolishness (אִוֶּלֶת - ivveleth): This word refers to folly, stupidity, moral perversity, or lack of wisdom. It signifies what is absurd, unsound, and contrary to divine truth and wise living. It's the opposite of knowledge and understanding.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge": This phrase highlights an active internal disposition. The very essence of a discerning person (their heart) is oriented towards the acquisition of substantial and valuable truth. This seeking is deliberate and indicates a profound longing.
• "but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness": This second phrase creates a stark parallelism through antithesis. It illustrates how the inner emptiness or perversity of the fool manifests outwardly in what they consume and express. The imagery of "feeding" paints a vivid picture of a continuous, satisfying intake of absurdity, implying a rejection of genuine knowledge.

Proverbs 15 14 Bonus Section

The verse illustrates a core principle in wisdom literature: the deep connection between inner character (heart) and outer expression (mouth/actions). It demonstrates that outward pursuits and pronouncements are reliable indicators of one's internal spiritual and intellectual state. The metaphor of "feeding" is significant; it suggests not just casual exposure, but a chosen form of nourishment. Fools choose to sustain themselves on the empty calories of foolishness, illustrating an aversion to substantial truth and growth. This proactive "seeking" and passive "feeding" define distinct paths of life, one leading to wisdom and the other to further entrenchment in folly.

Proverbs 15 14 Commentary

Proverbs 15:14 distills a profound truth about human nature and pursuit. It unveils the intrinsic drive that differentiates the wise from the foolish: the former are compelled by their discerning spirit to pursue truth and insight, while the latter find their satisfaction and sustenance in nonsense and error. The verse emphasizes that what originates in the heart—whether wisdom or folly—ultimately dictates what is sought after and expressed through one's life and words. An understanding heart has an appetite for genuine knowledge, for it knows its value; the fool, lacking such discernment, settles for the insubstantial and delights in triviality or outright error. This wisdom urges believers to cultivate a heart that is hungry for divine knowledge, discerning what is good and true, and rejecting the superficial distractions or outright deceptions of folly. Practically, it encourages listening more than speaking when knowledge is needed, seeking out wise counsel, and nourishing one's mind with God's Word.