Proverbs 17:24

24 The discerning person focuses on wisdom there before him, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:24

Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding
Is near him, to direct and assist him; it is before him as a rule to walk by, and it is the mark he aims at. A man of spiritual understanding has the book of wisdom before him, the Scriptures of truth, which are able to make a man wise to salvation; and he steers his course according to them; he sets Christ, the Wisdom of God, always before him; and keeps his eye on the mark for the prize, all the while he is running his Christian race: or, "in the face of an understanding man is wisdom" {a}; it is to be seen in his countenance, which is grave and composed; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth;
where wisdom is not to be found, it is far off from him; his mind is wandering after every object, is unsettled and unfixed to anything; and which may be discerned in his eyes, which are rolling about and turning, first one way and then another; and which shows the levity and inconstancy of his mind.


FOOTNOTES:

F1 (hmkx Nybm ynp ta) "in facie prudentis (lucet) sapientia", V. L. so Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Piscator, Noldius, p. 140. No. 665. "in vultu intelligentis sapientia", Schultens

Proverbs 17:24 In-Context

22 A happy heart is good medicine, but low spirits sap one's strength.
23 From under a cloak a bad man takes a bribe to pervert the course of justice.
24 The discerning person focuses on wisdom there before him, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A son who is a fool means anger for his father and bitterness for the mother who gave him birth.
26 To punish the innocent is not right, likewise to flog noble people for their uprightness.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.