Proverbs 14:6

KJV

¶ A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

A scorner {H3887} seeketh {H1245} wisdom {H2451}, and findeth it not: but knowledge {H1847} is easy {H7043} unto him that understandeth {H995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge comes easily to someone with discernment.

Berean Standard Bible

A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

American Standard Version

A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:6 sharply contrasts the futility of a scorner's pursuit of wisdom with the effortless accessibility of knowledge to the discerning. It reveals that the heart's disposition—whether arrogant and resistant or humble and receptive—is the primary determinant in one's ability to apprehend and integrate truth, underscoring that genuine understanding is less about intellectual capacity and more about a teachable spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14:6 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings in the Book of Proverbs, specifically within a section (chapters 10-29) that primarily features two-line proverbs often employing **antithetical parallelism**, presenting a stark contrast between two types of individuals or outcomes. Chapter 14 itself is rich with such contrasts, delineating the paths and consequences of the wise versus the foolish, the righteous versus the wicked, and notably, the humble versus the proud. This verse directly follows a proverb about the value of a wise person's words and precedes one about the security found in the fear of the Lord, fitting seamlessly into the chapter's overarching theme of discerning true wisdom and its practical implications for life. The "scorner" is a recurring negative archetype throughout Proverbs, consistently portrayed as resistant to correction and hostile to truth, a foil to the one who genuinely seeks and embraces understanding, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom literature, including Proverbs, served as a primary means of moral and theological instruction, passed down through generations. It was rooted in the belief that true wisdom originated from God and was essential for navigating life righteously within the covenant community. The "scorner" (Hebrew: _lēṣ_) was a recognized social and spiritual type, characterized by arrogance, cynicism, and a disdain for established norms, divine instruction, and even the counsel of elders. Such an individual was seen as a disruptive force, antithetical to the communal pursuit of righteousness and order. Conversely, the "one who understandeth" embodied the ideal of a discerning and teachable individual, highly valued in a society that prized the acquisition of practical and spiritual insight for communal well-being and individual flourishing. The ease with which knowledge comes to the understanding person reflects a cultural appreciation for a receptive heart over mere intellectual prowess.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **nature of true wisdom and knowledge**, distinguishing between a superficial search and genuine apprehension. It posits that wisdom is not merely intellectual accumulation but a spiritual and moral disposition. Secondly, it emphasizes the **critical role of one's inner disposition**—specifically, humility versus pride—in the pursuit of truth. A proud, mocking heart acts as an impenetrable barrier to wisdom, while a humble, discerning spirit opens the way to understanding. This echoes the broader biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, a truth found in [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God Opposes the Proud"). Thirdly, the proverb underscores the **consequences of one's choices regarding wisdom**. The scorner's path leads to continued ignorance and spiritual barrenness, while the path of understanding leads to insight and flourishing, reinforcing the book's consistent message that one's attitude toward God's truth determines their destiny, as illustrated throughout [Proverbs 4](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - The Path of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scorner (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** From H3887, meaning "to make mouths at, i.e. to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede." In this context, it refers to one who mocks, ridicules, and shows contempt for instruction, correction, and divine revelation. This individual is characterized by an arrogant disdain for truth and a closed-mindedness to genuine wisdom.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, meaning "wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisely, wit." This term refers to practical sagacity, the ability to live skillfully and righteously in accordance with God's principles. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but applied understanding that leads to a flourishing life.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From H1847, meaning "knowledge; cunning, (ig-)norantly, know(-ledge), (un-)awares (wittingly)." This refers to factual understanding, acquaintance with truth, and discernment. While related to wisdom, it often denotes the raw information or insight that wisdom then applies.
* **Understandeth (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** From H995, meaning "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand; attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man)." This term implies discernment, insight, and the ability to grasp the essence of a matter, distinguishing between what is true and false, good and evil. It speaks to a receptive and perceptive mind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not:"** This clause presents a paradox: one who actively pursues wisdom, yet fails to attain it. The failure is not due to a lack of effort in seeking, but rather the intrinsic nature of the "scorner." Their disposition—marked by arrogance, cynicism, and an unwillingness to be taught or corrected—creates an insurmountable barrier to genuine wisdom. Wisdom, by its very nature, requires humility and a teachable spirit, qualities antithetical to a scorner's character. Thus, their search is ultimately fruitless, a mere intellectual exercise devoid of true apprehension.
* **"but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth."** This contrasting clause highlights the accessibility of knowledge to a different kind of individual. For the one who "understandeth" (possesses discernment and a receptive heart), knowledge is not a struggle but comes "easy." This "ease" does not imply a lack of effort, but rather an unhindered path to comprehension. Their openness, humility, and willingness to learn allow them to readily grasp, integrate, and apply truth, making the acquisition of insight a natural and flowing process.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 14:6 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure, common in Proverbs, sets two contrasting ideas or statements in opposition to each other to highlight a moral or theological truth. Here, the fruitless pursuit of wisdom by the scorner is directly contrasted with the effortless acquisition of knowledge by the understanding person. This stark comparison emphasizes the profound impact of one's internal disposition on their ability to gain truth. Additionally, there is a subtle element of **Personification**, as wisdom and knowledge are treated almost as entities that can be sought, found, or easily attained, underscoring their inherent value and the conditions for their reception. The verse also presents a **Paradox** in the first half, where seeking does not lead to finding, challenging the intuitive expectation that effort always yields results, thereby drawing attention to the critical, often overlooked, role of attitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 14:6 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that genuine understanding and spiritual insight are not merely intellectual achievements but are fundamentally tied to the disposition of the heart. The scorner's inability to find wisdom, despite seeking it, underscores that God's truth is not accessible to those who approach it with arrogance, cynicism, or a closed mind. True wisdom begins with the "fear of the Lord," a humble reverence that opens the heart to divine instruction and correction. Conversely, the ease with which knowledge comes to the discerning highlights God's desire to reveal Himself and His truth to those who are receptive and teachable. This proverb thus serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual growth and the acquisition of divine wisdom are less about human striving and more about cultivating a humble, open, and obedient heart before God.

* [Proverbs 9:7-8](/proverbs/9-7-8 "Proverbs 9:7-8 - Do Not Rebuke a Scorner")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Wisdom Revealed to the Humble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 14:6 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess our own posture when approaching truth, whether in spiritual matters, personal relationships, or professional learning. Do we approach new ideas, correction, or differing perspectives with a cynical, mocking, or dismissive attitude, effectively closing ourselves off from genuine understanding? Or do we cultivate a humble, open, and teachable spirit, eager to discern and integrate truth, even when it challenges our preconceived notions? This proverb reminds us that true insight is not merely about intellectual capacity or the volume of information consumed, but about the receptivity of our hearts. It encourages us to shed the pride that hardens us against wisdom and to embrace the humility that makes knowledge accessible and transformative. By fostering a spirit of teachability and a reverence for truth, we position ourselves to receive the profound insights that lead to a life of wisdom and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like a "scorner," approaching new information or correction with cynicism or arrogance?**
* **How does my attitude—humility or pride—impact my ability to learn and grow, both spiritually and personally?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "understanding" and receptive heart towards wisdom and knowledge?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to view difficult truths or challenging feedback?**

### FAQ
**What is the core difference between "wisdom" and "knowledge" as used in this proverb?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in common parlance, in wisdom literature like Proverbs, "knowledge" (Hebrew: _daʻath_) generally refers to factual understanding, acquaintance with truth, or information. It's the raw data or insight. "Wisdom" (Hebrew: _chokmâh_), on the other hand, is the practical application of that knowledge. It's the skill in living righteously, making discerning choices, and navigating life successfully according to God's principles. The proverb suggests that a scorner can't even get to the practical application (wisdom) because their disposition prevents them from truly apprehending the foundational understanding (knowledge) in a way that leads to wisdom. For the understanding person, both knowledge and its application (wisdom) become accessible.

**Why does the scorner "seek" wisdom but not "find" it? Is it about effort or attitude?**

Answer: The proverb clearly indicates it's about attitude, not merely effort. The scorner does "seek" (Hebrew: _bâqash_), implying an active pursuit. However, their fundamental character—marked by arrogance, cynicism, and a mocking disdain for truth and correction—creates an impenetrable barrier. Wisdom, particularly divine wisdom, requires a humble and teachable spirit, a willingness to be corrected and to submit to truth. A scorner's heart is closed to these prerequisites, making their search futile, as they lack the internal receptivity necessary to genuinely apprehend and integrate what they seek. This is why [Proverbs 9:8](/proverbs/9-8 "Proverbs 9:8 - Rebuke a Wise Man") advises against rebuking a scorner, as they will only hate you for it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the source of all true knowledge. The scorner's futile search for wisdom highlights humanity's inherent inability to grasp spiritual truth apart from a humble heart and divine revelation. In contrast, Christ declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")," presenting Himself as the accessible wisdom of God. The "knowledge [that] is easy unto him that understandeth" points to the spiritual discernment granted by the Holy Spirit to those who receive Christ. While the world's wisdom often scoffs at the Gospel, considering it foolishness, "[Christ [is] the power of God, and the wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")" to those who are called. Those who humble themselves and believe in Him are given not only knowledge but also true understanding and wisdom that leads to eternal life, as "[in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")". The open, receptive heart described in the proverb is precisely the heart that responds to the call of the Gospel, finding in Christ the "easy" access to profound spiritual truth and life-transforming wisdom that the scorner can never attain.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matthew 13:12

For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

Proverbs 8:9

They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].