Proverbs 14:6

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 14:6 presents a sharp contrast between two distinct approaches to wisdom and knowledge, highlighting how one's inner disposition fundamentally affects their ability to acquire truth. It reveals that the heart's attitude is more crucial than mere intellectual pursuit.

Context

This verse is part of the Book of Proverbs, a collection of divinely inspired sayings offering practical wisdom for living a righteous and successful life. Throughout Proverbs, there's a recurring theme of contrasting character types – the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and notably, the diligent and the scorner. Chapter 14 specifically delves into various facets of wisdom, folly, and their consequences, often emphasizing the importance of discernment and right living. The "scorner" is a consistent negative archetype in this wisdom literature, representing someone who is arrogant, resistant to correction, and disdainful of God's truth, often contrasted with those who possess a fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge.

Key Themes

  • The Impediment of Scorn: The proverb asserts that a "scorner," despite actively seeking wisdom, will not find it. This isn't due to a lack of available wisdom, but because their attitude of arrogance, cynicism, and mockery closes them off from truly understanding. Genuine wisdom requires a humble and receptive heart, qualities that are antithetical to a scorner's disposition. True wisdom requires humility and a teachable spirit.
  • The Accessibility of Knowledge to the Discerning: In contrast, knowledge is "easy" for the one who "understandeth." This ease doesn't imply a lack of effort, but rather that a discerning, open, and teachable heart finds the path to understanding unhindered. Their receptive nature allows them to grasp and integrate truth readily, making the acquisition of knowledge a smoother process.
  • Attitude Governs Outcome: The core message is that one's internal state—their humility, openness, and willingness to learn—is paramount in the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. A proud, mocking spirit will remain ignorant, while a humble, understanding heart will readily gain insight and discernment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "scorner" is lets (לֵץ), which denotes someone who mocks, ridicules, and shows contempt for instruction, correction, and even divine revelation. This character is marked by an arrogant disdain for truth. "Wisdom" (chokmah, חָכְמָה) refers to practical sagacity and skill in living righteously, while "knowledge" (da'at, דַּעַת) signifies factual understanding and acquaintance with truth. The stark contrast emphasizes that while a lets might go through the motions of seeking, their proud heart prevents them from truly apprehending the practical, life-transforming essence of wisdom. For the one who "understandeth" (bin, בִּין), implying discernment and insight, knowledge naturally becomes accessible.

Related Scriptures

  • The futility of correcting a scorner: Proverbs 9:8 warns, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."
  • The source of true wisdom: James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all who ask in faith.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:6 holds timeless relevance for our lives today. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes when seeking truth, whether in spiritual matters, education, or personal relationships. If we approach new information, correction, or different perspectives with cynicism, arrogance, or a predisposition to mock, we effectively block ourselves from genuine understanding. Conversely, by cultivating a humble, open, and discerning spirit, we create a receptive environment where knowledge and wisdom can flourish. This proverb encourages us to embrace teachability and a reverence for truth, recognizing that true insight begins with a heart prepared to receive.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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].

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