Proverbs 17:24
Proverbs 17:24 in Multiple Translations
Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Wisdom is before the face of him who has sense; but the eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.
Sensible people focus on wisdom, but the eyes of stupid people are always wandering.
Wisdome is in the face of him that hath vnderstanding: but the eyes of a foole are in the corners of the world.
The face of the intelligent [is] to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool — at the end of the earth.
Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth.
Those who have good sense determine to do what is wise, but foolish people are always thinking about many different things and never decide what they should do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:24
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 17:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
פְּנֵ֣י
מֵבִ֣ין
חָכְמָ֑ה
וְ/עֵינֵ֥י
כְ֝סִ֗יל
בִּ/קְצֵה
אָֽרֶץ
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
מֵבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd
כְ֝סִ֗יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
בִּ/קְצֵה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:24
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
מֵבִ֣ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil
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.
חָכְמָ֑ה
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.
וְ/עֵינֵ֥י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כְ֝סִ֗יל
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.
בִּ/קְצֵה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:24
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
22A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
23A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
24Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. 26It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 2:14 | The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 8:1 | Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. |
| 3 | Proverbs 14:6 | A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:14 | A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:37 | Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word. |
| 6 | John 7:17 | If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 6:9 | Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 8 | Proverbs 23:5 | When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. |
| 9 | 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. |
Proverbs 17:24 Summary
[Proverbs 17:24 teaches us that wisdom is the most important thing for people who are trying to make good decisions and live a good life. This means that we should focus on learning and following God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 4:7. By prioritizing wisdom, we can avoid the restless and aimless pursuit of satisfaction that characterizes the life of a fool, and instead find fulfillment and purpose in our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for wisdom to be the focus of the discerning?
This means that those who are discerning, or have spiritual insight, prioritize wisdom and make it their main focus, as seen in Proverbs 17:24, and this is in line with the command to seek wisdom in Proverbs 4:7.
How do the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth?
This phrase is a metaphor for the restless and aimless pursuit of satisfaction and fulfillment that characterizes the life of a fool, as opposed to the focused pursuit of wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 17:24 and Ecclesiastes 1:14.
What is the difference between a discerning person and a fool?
A discerning person is one who has spiritual insight and prioritizes wisdom, whereas a fool is one who lacks wisdom and is characterized by foolish and unwise behavior, as seen in Proverbs 10:8 and Proverbs 17:24.
How can I become more discerning and focused on wisdom?
You can become more discerning and focused on wisdom by reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalms 119:66 and Proverbs 2:6, and by seeking guidance from wise and godly mentors, as seen in Proverbs 11:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am lacking focus and wandering aimlessly, and how can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 17:24 to those areas?
- How can I prioritize wisdom and make it my main focus, and what steps can I take to seek wisdom in my daily life?
- What are some common distractions or temptations that can cause me to lose focus and wander away from wisdom, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I balance the need for exploration and discovery with the need for focus and discernment, and what role does wisdom play in this balance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:24
Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding,.... Is near him, to direct and assist him; it is before him as a rule to walk by, and it is the mark he aims at.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:24
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
Before him; or, in (as the particle beth is used, , and is here rendered by divers interpreters) the face or countenance. The sense is either, 1. His wisdom appears even in his gestures and looks, which are modest, and composed, and grave. Or, 2. Wisdom is before him, or in his sight, as the mark at which he aims, or as the rule by which he constantly walketh and ordereth all his steps, from time to time minding his present duty and business. The steps of a fool are in the ends of the earth: the sense of this clause also is either, 1. His folly appears in his light, and unsteady, and disorderly carriage and looks. Or, 2. His mind is wavering and unsettled; he neither proposeth a right and certain end to himself, nor is he constant in the use of fit means to attain it; he neglects his present business and true interest, and wanders hither and thither in the pursuit of earthly vanities, minding most those things which are remotest from him, and least concern him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth.Ver. 24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding.] The face of an understanding man is wisdom; his very face speaks him wise; the government of his eyes, especially, is an argument of his gravity. His eyes are in his head, he scattereth away all evil with them. He hath oculum irretortum, as Job had; and Joseph had oculum in metam (which was Ludovica’ s Vives’ s motto), his eye fixed upon the mark; he looks right on; he goes through the world as one in a deep muse, or as one that hath haste of some special business, and therefore overlooks everything besides it. He hath learned out of Isa 33:14-15, that he shall see God to his comfort, must not only "shake his hands from taking gifts," as in the former verse, but also "stop his ears from hearing of blood," and "shut his eyes from seeing of evil." Vitiis nobis in animum per oculos est via, saith Quintilian; sin entereth into the little world through these windows, and death by sin, as fools find too oft by casting their eyes into the corners of the earth, suffering them to rove at random without restraint, by irregular glancing and inordinate gazing. In Hebrew the same word signifies both an eye and a fountain, to show, saith one, that from the eye, as from a fountain, flows both sin and misery. ‘ Shut up, therefore, the five windows, that the house may be full of light,’ as the Arabian proverb hath it. We read of one, that making a journey to Rome, and knowing it to be a corrupt place, and a corrupter of others, entered the city with eyes close shut; neither would he see anything there but St Peter’ s church, which he had a great mind to go visit. Alipius in Augustine being importuned to go to those bloody spectacles of the gladiatory combats, resolved to wink, and did; but hearing an outcry of applause, looked abroad, and was so taken with the sport, that he became an ordinary frequenter of those cruel meetings. Vultus index animi. - Profecto occulis animus inhabitat. - Plin, Quintil., Declam.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
(24) Wisdom is before him that hath understanding—i.e., he can easily find her. But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.—He is looking for her everywhere, while all the time she lies straight before him. (For the thought, comp. Deuteronomy 30:11-14.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
Verse 24. Are in the ends of the earth.] Wisdom is within the sight and reach at every man: but he whose desires are scattered abroad, who is always aiming at impossible things, or is of an unsteady disposition, is not likely to find it.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:24
24. before] More literally and forcibly, before the face of, R.V., as the object of his stedfast contemplation and pursuit, whereas “the eyes of a fool” seek the world over and find not. Comp. Proverbs 4:25.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:24
Before him - Set straight before his eyes as the mark to which they look.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
24. Wisdom… before him — Present with him or before him, as a mark at which he looks. “Wisdom is in the face of him that hath understanding;” that is, is seen in his clear, steadfast look.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Life Beyond Description by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. He urges listeners to examine their lives and ensure that they |
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The Thrill of the Moment by Hugh Black | Hugh Black emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding, contrasting it with the foolishness of those who are always seeking something grand in distant places instead of a |
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Epistle 44 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of waiting upon the unlimited power and spirit of the Lord to experience unity, crucify the flesh, mortify evil desires, and put off sin. H |
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Epistle 58 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of focusing inwardly rather than being distracted by the world, warning against lightness and superficiality. He encourages believers to be ste |
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Epistle 51 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the significance of the cross in overcoming the carnal nature, which is the source of falsehood and seduction. He explains that embracing the cross leads to a |
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Epistle 46 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity in the light of Christ, urging all believers to walk in this light which leads to repentance and oneness in faith. He warns against th |
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Wisdom Lights Up Our Face by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a hotel with many rooms to illustrate the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of having nothing to hide and having a good a |