Proverbs 15:14
Proverbs 15:14 in Multiple Translations
A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
The heart of the man of good sense goes in search of knowledge, but foolish things are the food of the unwise.
An insightful mind looks for knowledge, but stupid people feed on foolishness.
The heart of him that hath vnderstanding, seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of the foole is fedde with foolishnes.
The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.
The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
The heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Those who have good sense want to learn more; foolish people [MTY] are very satisfied with being foolish/ignorant.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:14
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 15:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ב
נָ֭בוֹן
יְבַקֶּשׁ
דָּ֑עַת
ו/פני
וּ/פִ֥י
כְ֝סִילִ֗ים
יִרְעֶ֥ה
אִוֶּֽלֶת
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
נָ֭בוֹן
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Niphal
יְבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
ו/פני
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms
כְ֝סִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
יִרְעֶ֥ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
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 15:14
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
נָ֭בוֹן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
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.
יְבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-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.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
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.
ו/פני
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וּ/פִ֥י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
כְ֝סִילִ֗ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
יִרְעֶ֥ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:14
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
12A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
13A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.
14A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. 16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 9:9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 2 | Isaiah 30:10 | They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:15 | The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:18 | But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. |
| 5 | Acts 17:11 | Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:5 | let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel |
| 7 | Psalms 119:97 | Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:100 | I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 3:6–12 | Solomon replied, “You have shown much loving devotion to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart. And You have maintained this loving devotion by giving him a son to sit on his throne this very day. And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. |
| 10 | Isaiah 44:20 | He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” |
Proverbs 15:14 Summary
This verse is saying that people who are wise and thoughtful want to learn and understand more about the world and about God, as seen in Proverbs 15:14. On the other hand, people who are foolish and don't think carefully about their words and actions will often say and do silly or hurtful things, as also seen in Proverbs 10:8. To have a discerning heart means to seek knowledge and wisdom, and to be careful about what we say and do, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5-8. By seeking knowledge and being thoughtful, we can become more like the wise and discerning person described in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a discerning heart?
A discerning heart is one that is able to distinguish between good and evil, and seeks to understand and apply God's truth, as seen in Proverbs 15:14 and also in Proverbs 10:8 where it says, 'The wise in heart will receive commandments'
How does a fool feed on folly?
A fool feeds on folly by speaking and acting without wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 15:14, and this is also seen in Proverbs 10:14 where it says, 'The mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride'
What is the relationship between seeking knowledge and being discerning?
Seeking knowledge is a key aspect of being discerning, as stated in Proverbs 15:14, and this is also supported by Proverbs 1:7 where it says, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge'
Can a discerning heart and a fool's mouth coexist in the same person?
While it is possible for a person to have moments of discernment and also speak foolishly at times, Proverbs 15:14 presents these as two distinct and opposing characteristics, with the discerning heart seeking knowledge and the fool's mouth feeding on folly, as also seen in James 1:5-8
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek more knowledge and discernment?
- How can I balance the desire for knowledge with the temptation to speak foolishly or without wisdom?
- What are some practical ways I can cultivate a discerning heart, and what role does Bible study play in this process?
- In what ways do I see the contrast between the discerning heart and the fool's mouth playing out in my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge,.... He that has in his heart an understanding of divine and spiritual things, of the Gospel and of the truths of it, will seek earnestly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
Their hearts are set upon wickedness, which is meat and drink to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
Proverbs 15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.Ver. 14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge.] As a hungry man seeks meat, or a covetous man gold, the more he hath, the more he desires. Moses was no sooner off the mount where he had seen God face to face, but he cries, "Lord, shew me thy glory." David, that knew more than his teachers, cries ever and anon, "Teach me thy statutes." Job prefers knowledge before his necessary food. Chrysippus was so studious that he would not take time to eat his food, but had perished with hunger if his maid Melissa had not put food into his mouth. John ate the book that the angel gave him. Jacobus de Voragine and Petrus Comestor had their names from devouring the Bible. Let fools feed on foolishness, as swine do on swill, as flies do on blotches, as carrion kites do on stinking carcases, as Tartars do on dead camels, asses, dogs, cats, &c. The wise man finds no such sweetness in the most delicate and dainty dishes, as in the search after divine knowledge. Even Aristotle saith that a little knowledge, though conjectural, about heavenly things, is to be preferred above knowledge, though certain, about earthly things. And Agur saith, it is to "ascend into heaven."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:14
14. seeketh … feedeth on] The one delights in the active pursuit of knowledge, which ever creates in those who find it a craving for more; the other lies down like a satiated animal, and feeds and ruminates on the folly, which quenches all high desire.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:14
14. Seeketh knowledge — As a hungry man does food. Feedeth on (or relishes) foolishness — Only frivolous, vain, and unprofitable discourse. Zockler renders, from the various readings, “face of fools feedeth.” etc.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 1 by Will Graham | This sermon challenges believers to not just talk the Christian walk but to also live it out through their actions. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that is reflected |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 4 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true biblical faith that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding, highlighting the significance of speaking God's truth boldly even if |
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Divine Knowledge by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of seeking divine knowledge, likening it to the earnest pursuit of food by the hungry or gold by the covetous. He explains that true knowled |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 15 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal growth and spiritual transformation. He shares his own experiences of being separated from friends and going throu |
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Homily 6 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the wise men from the East seeking Jesus, emphasizing the divine intervention through the star to lead them to the newborn King of t |
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Teachers by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the profound role of teaching in Paul's ministry, highlighting how Paul's missionary work was driven by his passion as a teacher. Early teachers introduced |
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Precept and Practice by W.R. Inge | W.R. Inge emphasizes the value of having one master who embodies a life of wisdom and virtue over a thousand masters who are experts in reading and knowledge. He points out that wh |