Proverbs 14:6
Proverbs 14:6 in Multiple Translations
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.
The hater of authority, searching for wisdom, does not get it; but knowledge comes readily to the open-minded man.
It's pointless for a scoffer to look for wisdom, but knowledge comes easily to someone who understands.
A scorner seeketh wisdome, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easie to him that will vnderstande.
A scorner hath sought wisdom, and it is not, And knowledge to the intelligent [is] easy.
A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy to him that understandeth.
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: the learning of the wise is easy.
Those who make fun of being wise will never become wise, but those who understand what is right learn things easily.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּקֶּשׁ
לֵ֣ץ
חָכְמָ֣ה
וָ/אָ֑יִן
וְ/דַ֖עַת
לְ/נָב֣וֹן
נָקָֽל
בִּקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לֵ֣ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
חָכְמָ֣ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וָ/אָ֑יִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
וְ/דַ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Conj | N-fs
לְ/נָב֣וֹן
bîyn
H995
to understand
Prep | V-Niphal
נָקָֽל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:6
בִּקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
לֵ֣ץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Adj
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
חָכְמָ֣ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וָ/אָ֑יִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
וְ/דַ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
לְ/נָב֣וֹן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Prep | V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
נָקָֽל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Niphal
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:6
Context — The Wise Woman
4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.
5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:5 | 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. |
| 2 | Matthew 13:11–12 | He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 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. |
| 3 | Matthew 11:25–27 | At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 8:2 | The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–19 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 8:9 | They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. |
| 7 | Matthew 6:22–23 | 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! |
| 8 | Romans 1:21–28 | For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. |
| 9 | Proverbs 17:24 | Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:98–100 | Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. |
Proverbs 14:6 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 14:6, teaches us that people who mock or make fun of wisdom will not find it, but those who are discerning and willing to learn will easily gain knowledge. To be discerning means to have a humble and receptive heart, as seen in Proverbs 22:12, and to be willing to listen and learn, as seen in Proverbs 1:7. By seeking wisdom from God and being obedient to His Word, as mentioned in John 14:15, we can become discerning people and gain knowledge, as described in Proverbs 2:1-6. By doing so, we can make wise decisions and live a life that honors God, as seen in Proverbs 3:1-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mocker and a discerning person in Proverbs 14:6?
A mocker is someone who ridicules or scoffs at wisdom, while a discerning person is one who seeks and applies wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 14:6, and is also described in Proverbs 1:7 as one who fears the Lord.
Why can't a mocker find wisdom according to Proverbs 14:6?
A mocker cannot find wisdom because they do not have a humble and receptive heart, as described in Proverbs 22:12, and their scornful attitude prevents them from receiving wisdom from God, as seen in James 1:5-7.
What is the role of discernment in finding knowledge, as mentioned in Proverbs 14:6?
Discernment plays a crucial role in finding knowledge, as it allows a person to distinguish between good and evil, and to apply wisdom in their lives, as seen in Proverbs 14:6 and also in Hebrews 5:14.
How can I become a discerning person and gain knowledge, as described in Proverbs 14:6?
To become a discerning person, you must seek wisdom from God, as described in Proverbs 2:1-6, and be willing to listen and learn, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, and also be obedient to God's Word, as mentioned in John 14:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be mocking or scoffing at wisdom in my own life, and how can I change my attitude to become more discerning?
- How can I cultivate a receptive and humble heart to receive wisdom from God, as described in Proverbs 14:6 and James 1:5-7?
- In what ways can I apply discernment in my daily life to gain knowledge and make wise decisions, as seen in Proverbs 14:6 and Hebrews 5:14?
- What are some common pitfalls or obstacles that can prevent me from becoming a discerning person, and how can I overcome them, as warned in Proverbs 14:8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not,.... So the scornful Greeks, that scoffed at the plainness and simplicity of the Gospel, sought natural wisdom, and thought they found it, and professed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and (findeth it) not: but knowledge (is) easy (Hebrew, an easy thing) unto him that understandeth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
A scorner; a proud, self-conceited, and profane person. Findeth it not, because he doth not seek it aright, to wit, sincerely, and earnestly, and seasonably, and in a constant and diligent use of all the means which God hath appointed to that end, and with an honest intention of employing his knowledge to the service of God, and the furtherance of his practice of religion. Knowledge is easy unto him, is plain and easily attained by him, that understandeth; that knoweth and is deeply sensible of his own want of knowledge, and of the great worth and necessity of knowledge, which will make him use all possible means to it, and, among other ways, pray earnestly to God for it. Or, that is honest and pious; for words of knowledge are oft understood practically, especially in this book.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
Proverbs 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth.Ver. 6. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not.] Or, He seeketh wisdom, and he seeketh it not. He seeketh it not seriously, seasonably, duly; he seeks it as a coward seeks his adversary, with a hope he shall not find him; or a man seeks his false coin, which he hath no joy to look upon. "What is truth?" said Pilate in a jeer to Christ, but stayed not for the answer. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" said those carnal Capernaites, and away they went, who, if they had stayed out the sermon, might have been satisfied in the point. Herod sought to see Christ, but never sent for him, nor went to him; and when the Lord Christ was brought before him, he looked upon him no otherwise than as upon some magician to show him some tricks and make him sport, and is therefore answered with silence. But knowledge is easy to him that doth understand.] In any science the worst is at first; as the root of the herb moly in Homer is said to be black and unsightly, but the leaf lovely and the fruit pleasant. The more a man sees into heavenly mysteries the more he may. "I love them that love me," saith wisdom, "and those that seek me early shall find me." Provided that they be not proud persons, but come with a desire to learn and a resolution to practise. He that comes to a fountain to fill his pitcher, must first wash it, and then put the mouth of it downward to take up water.
So he that would have heavenly knowledge must first quit his heart of corrupt affections and high conceits - intus existens prohibet alienum - and then humble himself at God’ s feet, "every one to receive his words" Deuteronomy 33:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
(6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not.—Because “God resisteth the proud” (1 Peter 5:5), and none can give wisdom but He who alone has it (1 Corinthians 2:11); but He teaches him that “feareth the Lord” (Psalms 25:11).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
Verse 6. A scorner seeketh wisdom] I believe the scorner means, in this book, the man that despises the counsel of God; the infidel. Such may seek wisdom; but he never can find it, because he does not seek it where it is to be found; neither in the teaching of God's Spirit, nor in the revelation of his will.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:6
6. findeth it not] Lit. and it is not (there)! Only to the lowly and reverent does Wisdom reveal herself. Comp. Matthew 11:25.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:6
Findeth it not - literally, there is none. The successful pursuit of wisdom presupposes at least earnestness and reverence. The scoffer shuts himself out from the capacity of recognizing truth.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:6
6. And findeth it not — Literally, and none, that is, for him. Wisdom reveals herself to true seekers; not to scoffers. There are those who treat instruction contemptously, affecting to be above the need of it.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar |
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Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Book of James by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c |
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The Danger of Pharisaism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke chapter twelve, verse forty-five, which talks about a slave who becomes abusive towards other slaves because he believes his master wil |
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Jude #8 - Lessons and Conclusions by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a three-dimensional image and its analogy to the word of God. He explains that a hologram, with its ability to be viewed from d |