Proverbs 14:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

NIV: Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

NASB: Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But among fools it is made known.

CSB: Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning; she is known even among fools.

NLT: Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.

KJV: Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

NKJV: Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.

As explained in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1–7), a person who seeks "learning" eventually accumulates "knowledge," which allows them to apply "wisdom." Refined wisdom can be passed on to others and is called "understanding." Here, we see that reinforced: a person of understanding has wisdom securely stationed in their heart. This implies two things. First, that this wisdom is stable, present, and sure. Second, that wisdom is not in a hurry to draw attention to itself: it is "resting," not "boiling," inside the understanding person.

The person with godly understanding does not boast about his wisdom, but it manifests itself in situations and relationships. It becomes clear, especially in contrast to the foolish habit of fools: to brag about their knowledge although they have none.

The biblical term "fool" does not mean someone unintelligent or uneducated. It means someone who ignores godly wisdom and truth in favor of their own biases or preferences (Proverbs 1:7; 3:5; 12:15). A person may claim to be a genius and flaunt extensive degrees and experience, but if they deny the existence of God, they are still a "fool." Psalm 14:1 exclaims: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good." Even if masses of people praise a person who falsely claims to be wise, God pronounces them "fools" all the same. The apostle Paul preached on Mars Hill to the intellectual philosophers of Athens, but some of them called him a babbler (Acts 17:18). They showed their foolishness by rejecting Paul's preaching about Jesus and the resurrection. Indeed, the wisdom of this world is folly with God (1 Corinthians 3:19).

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.