Proverbs 17:24

24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the ¹eyes of a fool are on 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.

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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 joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him.

26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

Cross References

• 1. Ecclesiastes 2:14