Proverbs 14:33

33 Wisdom has her resting-place in the mind of the wise, but she is not seen among the foolish.

Proverbs 14:33 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding,
&c.] It is in his heart, as the treasury where it is laid up, and where it is kept in safety; here it lies hid and undiscerned, unmolested and undisturbed; no noise is made about it, or any ostentation of it; it dwells quietly and constantly there; but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known;
the least share of knowledge which such persons have, or think they have, does not lie long in the midst of them; they take every opportunity of showing it to others, or of letting others know what they have attained to; and thereby, instead of getting the character of wise and prudent men, obtain that of fools; for, though a prudent man is communicative of his knowledge to others, it is at proper times, and in proper places, and to proper persons, which fools do not observe; but, without any manner of judgment or discretion, or regard to persons, places, and seasons, vainly thrust out their knowledge, and so proclaim their folly. The Syriac version is,

``in the heart of fools it shall not be known;''

it has no place there.

Proverbs 14:33 In-Context

31 He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.

32 The sinner is overturned in his evil-doing, but the upright man has hope in his righteousness.

33 Wisdom has her resting-place in the mind of the wise, but she is not seen among the foolish.

34 By righteousness a nation is lifted up, but sin is a cause of shame to the peoples.

35 The king has pleasure in a servant who does wisely, but his wrath is against him who is a cause of shame.