King James Version
Proverbs 18:2
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Proverbs 18:2 in other versions
- 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.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Context of Proverbs 18:2
1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Read all of Proverbs 18Proverbs 18:2 word by word
לֹֽא־יַחְפֹּ֣ץ כְּ֭סִיל בִּתְבוּנָ֑ה כִּ֝֗י אִֽם־בְּהִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת לִבּֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Proverbs 18:2
- Proverbs 1:7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 17:16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
- Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
- Matthew 8:34And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
- Numbers 24:15And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
- 1 Corinthians 14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
- Philippians 1:15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
- 2 Peter 2:15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
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
King James Version — Public Domain except in the United Kingdom (Crown rights)
Commentaries