God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 18:2
2A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own 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.
- 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
1A loner is out to get what he wants for himself. He opposes all sound reasoning. A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion. 3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and insult comes along with disgrace. 4The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
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. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Proverbs 17:16Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he doesn’t have a mind to grasp anything?
- Psalms 1:1Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers.
- Matthew 8:34Everyone from the city went to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their territory.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1Now, concerning food offered to false gods: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds them up.
- Numbers 24:15Then Balaam delivered this message: “This is the message of Balaam, son of Beor. This is the message of the man whose eyesight is clear.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12In the same way, since you’re eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in them so that you help the church grow.
- Philippians 1:15Some people tell the message about Christ because of their jealousy and envy. Others tell the message about him because of their good will.
- 2 Peter 2:15These false teachers have left the straight path and wandered off to follow the path of Balaam, son of Beor. Balaam loved what his wrongdoing earned him.
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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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