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The Wise Seek Knowledge and Fools Feed on Foolishness

Proverbs 15:14 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁴The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the faces of the stupid feed on foolishness.

This proverb suggests that those who have understanding or good judgment seek knowledge, while those who are foolish or unwise feed on folly. “Folly” refers to foolishness or lack of understanding. The phrase “the hearts of him who has understanding seeks knowledge” suggests that those who are wise or have good judgment actively seek out knowledge and understanding. In contrast, the phrase “the faces of the stupid feed on foolishness” suggests that those who are foolish or unwise are content to consume or indulge in foolishness.

This proverb encourages us to be wise and seek out knowledge rather than indulge in foolishness. It suggests that true wisdom comes from a desire to learn and understand, and it warns against being content with ignorance or foolishness.

Here is a phrase-by-phrase exegetical commentary on Proverbs 15:14:

The heart of him who has understanding – “Heart” is used metaphorically here to refer to the innermost thoughts and feelings of a person. “Understanding” means good judgment or comprehension.
Seeks knowledge – “Seeks” means to try to find or discover something. “Knowledge” refers to understanding or awareness of something.
But the faces of the stupid – “Faces” are used metaphorically here to refer to the outward appearance or demeanor of a person. “Fools” refers to people who are unwise or foolish.
Feed on foolishness – “Feed” means to consume or indulge in something. “Folly” refers to foolishness or lack of understanding.

This proverb suggests that those who are wise or have good judgment will actively seek out knowledge and understanding, while those who are foolish or unwise will be content to consume or indulge in foolishness. It encourages us to be wise and seek out knowledge rather than indulging in foolishness, and it suggests that true wisdom comes from a desire to learn and understand.

In the book of Proverbs, the word “heart” is often used metaphorically to refer to the innermost thoughts and feelings of a person. The phrase “the heart of him who understands” suggests that those who are wise or have good judgment actively seek out knowledge and understanding. This is significant because in the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly valued, and it was believed that wisdom came from God. Thus, seeking knowledge and understanding was seen as a way to draw closer to God and to live a righteous life.

The phrase “the faces of the stupid” suggests that those who are foolish or unwise have an outward appearance or demeanor that reflects their lack of wisdom. The phrase “they will feed on foolishness” suggests that these individuals are content to consume or indulge in foolishness. The word “foolishness” refers to stupidity, recklessness, or lack of understanding. This warning against indulging in foolishness would have been particularly relevant in the ancient Near East, where wise decision-making was highly valued and seen as essential for success in both personal and communal life.

Overall, this proverb encourages us to be wise and seek out knowledge rather than indulge in foolishness. It suggests that true wisdom comes from a desire to learn and understand, and it warns against being content with ignorance or foolishness. In the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, this proverb would have been seen as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and living a righteous life.