Proverbs 17:24

24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in 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 merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son [is] a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.
26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity.
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