Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. New Living Translation Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. English Standard Version A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Berean Standard Bible A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. King James Bible A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. New King James Version A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. New American Standard Bible A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind. NASB 1995 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. NASB 1977 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. Legacy Standard Bible A fool does not delight in discernment, But only in revealing his own heart. Amplified Bible A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity]. Christian Standard Bible A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. Holman Christian Standard Bible A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. American Standard Version A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. Contemporary English Version Fools have no desire to learn, instead they would rather give their own opinion. English Revised Version A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself. GOD'S WORD® Translation A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion. Good News Translation A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is. International Standard Version A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion. Majority Standard Bible A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. NET Bible A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind. New Heart English Bible A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. Webster's Bible Translation A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may reveal itself. World English Bible A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA fool does not delight in understanding, "" But in uncovering his heart. Young's Literal Translation A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart. Smith's Literal Translation The foolish one will not delight in understanding, but in, the disclosings of his heart. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart. Catholic Public Domain Version The foolish do not accept words of prudence, unless you say what is already turning in his heart. New American Bible Fools take no delight in understanding, but only in displaying what they think. New Revised Standard Version A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA fool has no delight in wisdom, because his mind devises folly. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A fool does not delight in wisdom because his heart meditates upon madness. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may lay itself bare. Brenton Septuagint Translation A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Selfishness of the Unfriendly1He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. 2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. 3With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.… Cross References James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. Proverbs 15:14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 14:7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. Ecclesiastes 10:14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him? Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. Proverbs 10:8 A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin. Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. 1 Corinthians 8:2 The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 9:7-8 He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. Treasury of Scripture A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. fool Proverbs 1:7,22 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction… Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? Psalm 1:1,2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful… but Numbers 24:15,16 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: … 1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: Jump to Previous Bare Delight Delighteth Delights Discover Expressing Finds Fool Foolish Good Heart Itself Lay Mind Opinion Opinions Pleasure Reveal Revealing Sense Uncovering UnderstandingJump to Next Bare Delight Delighteth Delights Discover Expressing Finds Fool Foolish Good Heart Itself Lay Mind Opinion Opinions Pleasure Reveal Revealing Sense Uncovering UnderstandingProverbs 18 1. A fool delights not in understandingA fool does not delight in understanding In biblical literature, the term "fool" often refers to someone who is morally deficient or lacks wisdom, rather than merely lacking intelligence. The Hebrew word used here, "kesil," implies a person who is obstinate and rejects wisdom. This phrase highlights a common theme in Proverbs: the contrast between wisdom and folly. Understanding, in this context, is not just intellectual knowledge but a deeper comprehension of God's ways and moral truths. The fool's lack of delight in understanding suggests a willful ignorance and a preference for self-centeredness. This aligns with other scriptures, such as Proverbs 1:7, which states that fools despise wisdom and instruction. but only in airing his opinions 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 often contrast the wise and the foolish. 2. Fool In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by pride and a lack of discernment. 3. Understanding This refers to the ability to comprehend and apply wisdom, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs. 4. Opinions The verse highlights the tendency of fools to prioritize their own views over seeking true understanding. Teaching Points Seek Understanding FirstBefore expressing opinions, prioritize gaining understanding. This aligns with the biblical call to wisdom and discernment. Guard Against Pride Recognize that the desire to always share one's opinion can stem from pride. Humility is essential in the pursuit of wisdom. Value Wise Counsel Surround yourself with wise individuals and be open to their insights. This helps prevent the folly of self-centered thinking. Practice Active Listening Develop the habit of listening more than speaking. This not only fosters understanding but also reflects a Christ-like character. Reflect on Your Motives Before speaking, consider whether your words are meant to edify and build up others or simply to assert your own views.(2) But that his heart may discover itself--i.e., unless his cleverness can be displayed thereby; he does not prize understanding for itself, apart from his own interests.Verse 2. - A fool hath no delight in understanding. This may mean that he takes no pleasure in the wisdom of others, is self-opinionated; or, it may be, does not care for understanding in itself, apart from the use which he can make of it. Vulgate, "The fool receives not the words of wisdom;" Septuagint, "A man of no sense has no need of wisdom." To try to teach a fool is to cast pearls before swine, and to give that which is holy unto dogs. But that his heart may discover itself; i.e. his only delight is in revealing his heart, displaying his un-wisdom and his foolish thoughts, as in Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 13:16; Proverbs 15:2. He thinks that thus he is showing himself superior to others, and benefiting the world at large. The LXX. gives the reason, "For rather by folly he is led." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A foolכְּ֭סִיל (kə·sîl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool does not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no delight יַחְפֹּ֣ץ (yaḥ·pōṣ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire in understanding, בִּתְבוּנָ֑ה (biṯ·ḇū·nāh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice but only כִּ֝֗י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction in airing בְּהִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת (bə·hiṯ·gal·lō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal his opinions. לִבּֽוֹ׃ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre Links Proverbs 18:2 NIVProverbs 18:2 NLT Proverbs 18:2 ESV Proverbs 18:2 NASB Proverbs 18:2 KJV Proverbs 18:2 BibleApps.com Proverbs 18:2 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 18:2 Chinese Bible Proverbs 18:2 French Bible Proverbs 18:2 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding (Prov. 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