Proverbs 18:2

Proverbs 18:2 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
• New International Version (NIV)Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
• English Standard Version (ESV)A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
• New King James Version (NKJV)A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

Context of Proverbs 18:2

1He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity]. 3When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes, And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn). 4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom]; The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

Proverbs 18:2 word by word

לֹֽא־יַחְפֹּ֣ץ כְּ֭סִיל בִּתְבוּנָ֑ה כִּ֝֗י אִֽם־בְּהִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת לִבּֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• A foolכְּסִילkesîyl · foolH3684
• hath no delightחָפֵץchâphêts · to delight inH2654
• in understandingתְּבוּנָהtâbûn tebûnâh tôbûnâh · understandingH8394
• but that his heartלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• may discoverגָּלָהgâlâh · to reveal: revealH1540

Cross-references for Proverbs 18:2

• Proverbs 1:7The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.
• Proverbs 17:16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no common sense or even a heart for it?
• Psalms 1:1Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).
• Matthew 8:34And the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and as soon as they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.
• 1 Corinthians 8:1Now about food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge [concerning this]. Knowledge [alone] makes [people self-righteously] arrogant, but love [that unselfishly seeks the best for others] builds up and encourages others to grow [in wisdom].
• Numbers 24:15He took up his [fourth] discourse (oracle) and said: “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, The oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
• 1 Corinthians 14:12So it is with you, since you are so very eager to have spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in ways that will build up the church [spiritually].
• Philippians 1:15Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me].
• 2 Peter 2:15Abandoning the straight road [that is, the right way to live], they have gone astray; they have followed the way of [the false teacher] Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness;

Commentaries on Proverbs 18:2

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 2But that his heart may discover itself - It is a fact that most vain and foolish people are never satisfied in company, but in showing their own nonsense and emptiness. But this verse may be understood as confirming the view already given of the preceding, and may be translated thus: "But a fool doth not delight in understanding, though it should even manifest itself:" so I understand בהתגלות אם כי ki im behithgalloth . The separated person seeks…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 2Another form of egotism. In “understanding,” i. e., self-knowledge, the “fool” finds no pleasure; but self-assertion, talking about himself and his own opinions, is his highest joy.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2Verse 2 Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 22. that his heart ... itself--that is, takes pleasure in revealing his folly (Pr 12:23; 15:2).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 18:2

• Fool

In the dictionaries

• Brother
• Contention
• Innermost
• Offend
• Slothful
• Snare
• Stick
• Waster
• Discover
• Fool; Folly

Commentaries on Proverbs 18

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings