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 isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. A 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. 4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Proverbs 18:2 word by word

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

• A foolכְּסִילkesîyl · foolH3684
• does notלֹאlô' lô' lôh · notH3808
• delightחָפֵץchâphêts · to delight inH2654
• in understandingתְּבוּנָהtâbûn tebûnâh tôbûnâh · understandingH8394
• but onlyכִּי [אם]kîy · that if: exceptH3588
• but only[כִּי] אם'im · if: exceptH518
• in airingגָּלָהgâlâh · to reveal: revealH1540
• his opinionsלֵבlêb · heartH3820

Cross-references for Proverbs 18:2

• Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
• Proverbs 17:16Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
• Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.
• Matthew 8:34Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when 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. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
• Numbers 24:15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
• 1 Corinthians 14:12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
• Philippians 1:15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
• 2 Peter 2:15They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages 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