Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. New Living Translation A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. English Standard Version The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Berean Standard Bible A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. King James Bible The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. New King James Version The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. New American Standard Bible The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. NASB 1995 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. NASB 1977 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. Legacy Standard Bible The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. Amplified Bible The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it, But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness. Christian Standard Bible A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. Holman Christian Standard Bible A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. American Standard Version The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. Contemporary English Version Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. English Revised Version The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. GOD'S WORD® Translation The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity. Good News Translation Intelligent people want to learn, but stupid people are satisfied with ignorance. International Standard Version A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity. Majority Standard Bible A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. NET Bible The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly. New Heart English Bible The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Webster's Bible Translation The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. World English Bible The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe heart of the intelligent seeks knowledge, "" And the mouth of fools enjoys folly. Young's Literal Translation The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly. Smith's Literal Translation The heart of him understanding will seek knowledge: and the face of the foolish will feed folly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. Catholic Public Domain Version The heart of the wise seeks doctrine. And the mouth of the foolish feeds on ignorance. New American Bible The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly. New Revised Standard Version The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe heart of the just seeks knowledge; but the mouth of the wicked utters evil. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The heart of the righteous seeks knowledge, and the mouth of the evil speaks evil things. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. Brenton Septuagint Translation An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath…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.… Cross References Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Proverbs 2:3-5 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Proverbs 19:8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. Ecclesiastes 7:25 I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. Jeremiah 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Psalm 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. Psalm 119:125 I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 13:12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Luke 11:9-10 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Treasury of Scripture The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. heart Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 1 Kings 3:6-12 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day… the mouth Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Isaiah 44:20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? Jump to Previous Discerning Discernment Feed Feedeth Feeds Folly Food Fool Foolish Foolishness Fools Goes Good Heart Intelligent Mind Mouth Mouths Search Seeketh Seeks Sense Understanding UnwiseJump to Next Discerning Discernment Feed Feedeth Feeds Folly Food Fool Foolish Foolishness Fools Goes Good Heart Intelligent Mind Mouth Mouths Search Seeketh Seeks Sense Understanding UnwiseProverbs 15 1. A gentle answer turns away wrathA discerning heart seeks knowledge A discerning heart refers to an individual who possesses wisdom and understanding, qualities highly valued in biblical literature. In the Hebrew context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought and decision-making, not just emotion. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom, as seen in Solomon's request for a discerning heart to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9). Seeking knowledge implies an active pursuit of truth and understanding, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs (Proverbs 2:3-6). This pursuit is not merely intellectual but also spiritual, as true knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). The discerning heart is contrasted with the fool, highlighting the importance of intentionality in seeking wisdom. but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs offer practical insights into living a life that honors God. 2. The Discerning Heart Represents individuals who are wise and seek understanding and knowledge, aligning their hearts with God's wisdom. 3. The Fool In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often leading to destructive behavior. Teaching Points Pursuit of KnowledgeA discerning heart actively seeks knowledge and understanding. This pursuit is not passive but requires intentional effort and a desire to grow in wisdom. Guarding Against Folly The mouth of a fool feeds on folly, indicating a continuous consumption of foolishness. Believers must guard their hearts and minds against influences that lead away from God's truth. Wisdom in Speech Our words reflect the state of our hearts. A discerning heart will produce speech that is edifying and wise, while a foolish heart will result in harmful and unwise words. The Role of Discernment Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between truth and error. It enables believers to navigate life's complexities with godly wisdom. The Heart's Condition The condition of one's heart determines their pursuit. A heart aligned with God will naturally seek His wisdom and knowledge.Verse 14. - The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge (Proverbs 18:15). The wise man knows that he knows nothing, and is always seeking to learn more. Σοφία γάρ ἐστι καὶ μαθεῖν ο} μὴ νοεῖς "To learn what thou hast never thought is wisdom." The mouth of fools. Another reading, is "the face of fools;" but the former is more suitable to what follows. Feedeth on foolishness. So the Vulgate and Septuagint, "The mouth of the undisciplined knoweth evil." The fool is always gaping and devouring every silly, or slanderous, or wicked word that comes in his way, and in his turn utters and disseminates it. Hebrew A discerningנָ֭בוֹן (nā·ḇō·wn) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand heart לֵ֣ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre seeks יְבַקֶּשׁ־ (yə·ḇaq·qeš-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after knowledge, דָּ֑עַת (dā·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1847: Knowledge but the mouth וּפִ֥י (ū·p̄î) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6440: The face of a fool כְ֝סִילִ֗ים (ḵə·sî·lîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool feeds on יִרְעֶ֥ה (yir·‘eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with folly. אִוֶּֽלֶת׃ (’iw·we·leṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 200: Silliness Links Proverbs 15:14 NIVProverbs 15:14 NLT Proverbs 15:14 ESV Proverbs 15:14 NASB Proverbs 15:14 KJV Proverbs 15:14 BibleApps.com Proverbs 15:14 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 15:14 Chinese Bible Proverbs 15:14 French Bible Proverbs 15:14 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:14 The heart of one who has understanding (Prov. 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