Proverbs 15:14

KJV

¶ The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The heart {H3820} of him that hath understanding {H995} seeketh {H1245} knowledge {H1847}: but the mouth {H6310}{H6440} of fools {H3684} feedeth {H7462} on foolishness {H200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Berean Standard Bible

A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

American Standard Version

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:14 profoundly articulates a fundamental contrast between two distinct dispositions: the diligent pursuit of wisdom by the discerning individual and the passive consumption of folly by the ignorant. This verse reveals that one's inner orientation—the "heart" as the seat of intellect, will, and moral character—determines the intellectual and spiritual diet one seeks and internalizes, leading either to the acquisition of profound knowledge or the perpetuation of senseless foolishness. It serves as a compelling call to cultivate an inner disposition that hungers for truth and understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15 is a vibrant collection of antithetical proverbs, a hallmark of the Solomonic wisdom tradition (Proverbs 10-29). This particular chapter extensively explores the power of speech, the nature of wisdom versus folly, and the consequences stemming from one's internal disposition and outward actions. Verses immediately preceding Proverbs 15:14 set the stage by discussing the transformative power of a gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1), the destructive nature of perverse speech (Proverbs 15:4), and the wisdom of heeding instruction (Proverbs 15:5). Following this verse, the chapter continues its exploration of the stark dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked, the humble and the proud, and the diligent and the lazy, consistently emphasizing the internal state that drives external behavior. Proverbs 15:14 thus functions as a concise yet powerful encapsulation of this recurring theme, asserting that the very core of a person dictates their intellectual and spiritual nourishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite wisdom traditions, often attributed to King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC), a period renowned for its intellectual and cultural flourishing. Within this context, wisdom literature was not merely abstract philosophy but served as practical instruction for living a righteous and flourishing life within the covenant community. Education was primarily oral and communal, emphasizing the intergenerational transmission of moral and practical truths from elders to youth. Crucially, the "heart" (Hebrew: *lev*) in ancient Near Eastern thought was understood as the comprehensive center of one's entire being—encompassing intellect, will, emotion, and conscience—rather than solely the seat of feelings. Therefore, the verse addresses a holistic orientation of one's inner person. "Knowledge" (Hebrew: *da'ath*) was often linked to experiential understanding and moral discernment, extending beyond mere factual information to include practical wisdom for living.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 15:14 significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **dichotomy between wisdom and folly**, a central motif woven throughout Proverbs. The "understanding heart" embodies the wise, while the "mouth of fools" personifies the foolish, vividly illustrating their divergent paths and ultimate outcomes. Secondly, it highlights the **active pursuit of truth**. The wise person *seeks* knowledge, indicating intentionality, effort, and a deep-seated desire for understanding. This active pursuit is a recurring theme, powerfully echoed in passages like [Proverbs 2:1-5](/proverbs/2-1-5 "Proverbs 2:1-5 - The Pursuit of Wisdom and Understanding"). Conversely, the fool passively "feeds" on foolishness, suggesting a lack of discernment and a willing consumption of what is detrimental to their well-being. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **centrality of the heart** as the wellspring of life and the determinant of one's trajectory, aligning seamlessly with the profound admonition in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart Above All Else") to guard one's heart above all else, for from it flow the issues of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term, far exceeding a mere emotional center, refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing the intellect, will, and moral faculty. In Proverbs 15:14, it signifies the core disposition, mental orientation, and the seat of understanding. An "understanding heart" is one whose very essence is inclined towards discernment, wisdom, and truth, actively engaging with the world from a place of insight.
* **Seeketh (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This primitive root conveys an active, diligent, and often earnest search or inquiry. It implies a purposeful pursuit, a deliberate effort to find, desire, or require something. The wise person does not merely stumble upon knowledge but actively strives for it, demonstrating an intentional and persistent quest for understanding and truth.
* **Foolishness (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** Derived from the word for "fool" (*ʼĕvîl*), this term denotes silliness, absurdity, or folly. It often carries strong connotations of moral and intellectual deficiency, leading to imprudent, senseless, or even destructive behavior. The vivid phrase "feedeth on foolishness" powerfully portrays the fool's consumption and perpetuation of that which is nonsensical, empty, and ultimately unprofitable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge":** This initial clause presents the positive paradigm. The "heart" (the inner person, encompassing intellect, will, and moral faculty) of an individual who possesses "understanding" (the capacity for discernment, insight, and comprehension) is inherently inclined to "seek knowledge." This seeking is an active, intentional, and diligent pursuit of truth, wisdom, and an experiential acquaintance with what is right and good. It speaks to a deep-seated, cultivated desire for intellectual and spiritual growth, driven by an inner disposition towards wisdom.
* **"but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness":** This second clause provides the stark and direct antithesis. The "mouth" (symbolizing speech, consumption of ideas, and outward expression) of "fools" (those characterized by dull-mindedness, resistance to wisdom, and often self-confident ignorance) is vividly depicted as "feeding on foolishness." This powerful imagery suggests a passive, indiscriminate consumption, internalization, and subsequent perpetuation of that which is nonsensical, empty, or harmful. It implies a profound lack of discernment and a disturbing contentment with intellectual and moral emptiness, leading to words and actions that reflect their inner folly.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:14 is a quintessential example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a foundational structural device in Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse masterfully employs two contrasting lines that express opposing ideas, thereby highlighting the profound difference between the wise and the foolish. The first line positively describes the characteristic and action of the understanding person, while the second line negatively describes the characteristic and action of the fool, effectively emphasizing their moral and intellectual divergence. Additionally, **Personification** is skillfully utilized, as the "heart" is portrayed as actively "seeking" and the "mouth" as "feeding," imbuing these body parts with human-like actions to represent the entire person's disposition and behavior. The phrase "feedeth on foolishness" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the consumption of ideas or information to the physical act of eating, vividly illustrating how folly becomes internalized and sustained by the fool, shaping their very being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the pervasive biblical emphasis on the internal disposition as the ultimate source of external behavior. It posits that true wisdom originates not merely from intellectual assent but from a heart genuinely oriented towards truth and understanding, a disposition cultivated through intentional choice. The diligent pursuit of knowledge, particularly divine knowledge, is presented as a hallmark of spiritual maturity, standing in sharp contrast to the fool's self-imposed ignorance and embrace of triviality. This verse serves as a profound and timeless reminder that our spiritual and intellectual diet profoundly shapes who we become and how we interact with the world, urging us to cultivate an insatiable hunger for God's wisdom and to guard against the insidious consumption of spiritual and intellectual emptiness.

* [Proverbs 2:1-6](/proverbs/2-1-6 "Proverbs 2:1-6 - The Call to Earnestly Seek Wisdom and Understanding")
* [Psalm 1:1-2](/psalms/1-1-2 "Psalm 1:1-2 - The Blessed Man's Delight in God's Law")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles a Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:14 holds profound and enduring relevance for contemporary life, particularly in an age saturated with information, misinformation, and constant digital noise. It challenges us to deeply examine the inner inclinations of our "heart"—our intellect, our will, and our deepest desires. Are we actively and diligently seeking out knowledge, truth, and genuine wisdom, especially from God's authoritative Word, or are we passively consuming and inadvertently perpetuating that which is foolish, trivial, or even spiritually and morally harmful? This verse calls for radical intentionality in our intellectual and spiritual diet, urging us to be discerning about what we allow to enter our minds and shape our perspectives. It serves as a powerful reminder that what we "feed" on ultimately defines our character, directs our path, and determines the quality of our speech and actions. It encourages a disciplined pursuit of edifying content and a courageous rejection of the superficial, the misleading, and the morally vacuous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "seeking knowledge" practically entail in my daily life, beyond mere academic or intellectual curiosity?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be "feeding on foolishness" through my media consumption, social interactions, or even my private thought patterns?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more discerning "heart" that genuinely hungers for God's truth and understanding, rather than worldly distractions?**
* **What specific changes do I need to implement to ensure my "mouth" consistently speaks words of wisdom and edification, rather than foolishness or negativity?**

### FAQ
**What is the biblical understanding of "heart" in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical thought, especially in the Old Testament, the "heart" (Hebrew: *lêb* or *lēbāb*) is far more than just the seat of emotions. It is considered the very core of a person's being, encompassing the intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. It's the inner control center where decisions are made, where understanding resides, and where one's deepest desires and intentions originate. So, "the heart of him that hath understanding" refers to a person whose entire inner being—their mind, will, and disposition—is oriented towards discernment and wisdom, actively seeking truth. This holistic understanding of the heart is vital for grasping many biblical teachings, such as the command to love God with all your heart in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord with All Your Heart").

**How does "seeking knowledge" differ from merely accumulating facts?**

Answer: In the context of Proverbs, "knowledge" (Hebrew: *daʻath*) is not simply an accumulation of facts or information. It implies an experiential and moral acquaintance with truth, a deep understanding that leads to right living and wise conduct. "Seeking" (Hebrew: *bâqash*) suggests an active, diligent, and often earnest pursuit, a profound desire to know and apply truth. It's about discernment, wisdom, and a transformed life that results from internalizing truth, not just intellectual curiosity or rote memorization. For instance, [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") states that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," indicating that true knowledge is fundamentally rooted in a reverent relationship with God and leads to practical, godly wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:14, with its stark contrast between the understanding heart seeking knowledge and the fool's mouth feeding on foolishness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the eternal **Logos** through whom all things were created, as profoundly declared in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word of God"). The understanding heart, in its earnest pursuit of knowledge, is ultimately seeking the One who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Treasures of Wisdom are Hidden in Christ")), signifying that true, life-giving knowledge is not found in abstract philosophy or worldly pursuits, but in a living relationship with Him. Conversely, the "foolishness" that the mouth of fools feeds on stands in direct opposition to the wisdom of God revealed in Christ. The message of the cross, often considered "foolishness" by the world, is in fact "the power of God and the wisdom of God" to those who are being saved ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Therefore, to truly seek knowledge is to seek Christ, and to feed on anything else is to partake in the very foolishness that He came to overcome. He transforms the human heart, granting true spiritual understanding and enabling believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" ([2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in Grace and Knowledge of Christ")).

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

Proverbs 9:9

Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

Isaiah 30:10

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

Proverbs 18:15

¶ The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Proverbs 1:5

A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Psalms 119:100

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.