Proverbs 15:14

Proverbs 15:14 in other versions

• New International Version (NIV)The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
• English Standard Version (ESV)The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
• New King James Version (NKJV)The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
• New Living Translation (NLT)A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

Context of Proverbs 15:14

12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 16Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Proverbs 15:14 word by word

לֵ֣ב נָ֭בוֹן יְבַקֶּשׁ־דָּ֑עַת וּפִ֥י כְ֝סִילִ֗ים יִרְעֶ֥ה אִוֶּֽלֶת׃Read the interlinear

• The heartלֵבlêb · heartH3820
• of him that hath understandingבִּיןbîyn · to understandH995
• seekethבָּקַשׁbâqash · to seekH1245
• knowledgeדַּ֫עַתda‛ath · knowledgeH1847
• but the mouthפָּנֶהpânîym · face: beforeH6440
• but the mouthפֶּהpeh · lipH6310
• of foolsכְּסִילkesîyl · foolH3684
• feedethרָעָהrâ‛âh · to pastureH7462
• on foolishnessאִוֶּ֫לֶת'ivveleth · follyH200

Cross-references for Proverbs 15:14

• Proverbs 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
• Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
• 1 Kings 3:6And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
• Psalms 119:97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
• Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
• 2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
• Proverbs 12:23A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
• Isaiah 30:10Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
• Isaiah 44:20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
• Hosea 12:1Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Commentaries on Proverbs 15:14

• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14Verse 14 A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 14Our preference for knowledge or trivial things shows if we are pursuing wisdom or foolishness.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1414. (Compare Pr 10:21, 22). The wise grow wiser, the fools more foolish (Pr 9:9).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 15:14

• Heart
• Knowledge
• Speaking

In the dictionaries

• Abomination
• Cheerful
• Continual
• Countenance
• Disappoint
• Disperse
• Feast
• Grievous
• Humility
• Poetry

Commentaries on Proverbs 15

• 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
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings