Proverbs 15:14 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

CSB: A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

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

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

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

One facet of godliness is the active search for God's truth (Proverbs 1:7; Matthew 6:7–8). Those who sincerely desire godliness pursue such knowledge (Proverbs 8:17). This corresponds to the idea of humanity being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27): as rational, intentional creatures.

In contrast, those who reject God act more like animals (2 Peter 2:12). This proverb employs a Hebrew word often used in reference to livestock: the fool "grazes" on their own foolishness. This hints at the mindless, unthinking nature of those who settle for what's preferred over what's true (2 Timothy 4:3). An unbeliever lacks knowledge of God, instead foolishly "chewing on" empty pleasure, false notions, pointless pursuits, and materialistic gain.

Jesus told a story about a rich farmer who thought he could satisfy his soul with material things. When his crops burst with a bountiful harvest, he decided to build bigger barns to hold the abundance, and he mistakenly assumed he was secure for many years. He planned to tell his soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry" (Luke 12:19). But God called him a fool and demanded his soul that night (Luke 12:20).

Like the farmer, everyone who thinks earthly things can satisfy the soul is a fool. "Grazing" on foolishness ends suddenly in judgment. The discerning person understands that only the Lord can satisfy the heart and soul. Therefore, he grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Proverbs 15:13–30 continues Solomon's contrasting descriptions of the wise and the foolish. In this book, those ideas are associated with accepting or rejecting God's truth, respectively (Proverbs 1:7). He writes about the gladness of the upright, wise person and the depressing existence of the wicked, foolish person. He contrasts attitudes, thoughts, and actions of both kinds of individuals, and he states that the Lord is far from the wicked but close enough to the righteous to hear their prayers.

Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.

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.