English Standard Version
Proverbs 18:2
2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Context of Proverbs 18:2
1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Read all of Proverbs 18Proverbs 18:2 word by word
לֹֽא־יַחְפֹּ֣ץ כְּ֭סִיל בִּתְבוּנָ֑ה כִּ֝֗י אִֽם־בְּהִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת לִבּֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 18:2
- Proverbs 1:7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 17:16Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?
- Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
- Matthew 8:34And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.
- Numbers 24:15And he took up his discourse and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
- 1 Corinthians 14:12So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
- Philippians 1:15Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
- 2 Peter 2:15Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing,
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
In the dictionaries
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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries