Proverbs 14:33

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. ^[a]

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 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew; LXX and Syriac but among fools she is not known