Proverbs 18:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

NIV: Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

NASB: A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind.

CSB: A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.

NLT: Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

KJV: A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

NKJV: A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

The book of Proverbs contrasts foolishness with godly wisdom. True wisdom is rooted in pursuit of God and His truth (Proverbs 1:7). The prior proverb noted that those who "isolate" from sound judgment are trying to ignore anything not in line with their preferences. There's an arrogance behind someone who separates themselves from all other opinions, as if no one else can contribute to his understanding.

A "fool" isn't driven by a desire to understand; all that matters to the fool is saying what's on their mind. One might say such a person has a closed mind and an open mouth. Discussions become bitter arguments when we fail to listen with the intent of understanding. A foolish approach is to listen only so one knows when they can start talking.

Many Pharisees in Jesus' day refused to learn from Him. While others were astonished at Jesus' teaching, the Pharisees smugly thought they knew all about the Old Testament. However, Jesus rebuked them by saying, "His [the Father's] voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life" (John 5:37–40).

This segment of Solomon's wise sayings includes several well-known and often-repeated remarks. Among these are references to God's "name" as a place of safety, the connection between pride and catastrophe, the value of a godly spouse, and the intimate loyalty of a good friend. As in other parts of the book of Proverbs, these teachings are tied to warnings about the consequences of poor decisions.

Chapter 18 continues a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon. These began in chapter 10 and will continue through chapter 22. This section contains numerous references to fair-mindedness and seeking out truth from multiple sources. Diligent responsibility—in words, actions, and beliefs—is a notable emphasis in this segment.

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.