Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:14, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
American Standard Version
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
World English Bible version
The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 15:14 Meaning & Commentary
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. – Proverbs 15:14 (ESV)
Throughout The Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs, we see how understanding, knowledge, and wisdom are linked. Knowledge can just be accumulated by anyone about anything – even unbelievers can accumulate knowledge. However, understanding and wisdom work together with knowledge.
Proverbs 24:3-6 – By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
When we look at this portion of scripture, we see how. When we have the foundation of wisdom and understanding, we are able to build a house and establish it. However, when we grow in knowledge, “the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
This is speaking metaphorically; however, we can see why Proverbs 15:14 says, ” The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge.” It empowers someone with understanding and wisdom to grow and increase more and more. This is why the analogy of rooms filled with precious and pleasant riches is used. Furthermore, the second part of Proverbs 15:14 says that “the mouths of fools feed on folly.”
Fools delight in folly or stupidity – whether they are the ones participating in it or see others participating in it. The word “mouth” in Proverbs 15:14 is the Hebrew word “panim,” which is also translated as face or can literally mean the person. In other words, foolish people feed on folly and stupidity. Just as food nourishes us and helps us to grow, so stupidity and foolishness are like food to a foolish person!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:14 to our lives?
There are a few practical applications of this verse in our lives. One easy way to apply it is to watch the company we keep very closely. Who we surround ourselves with makes a massive difference – either for good or for evil. Bad company has the potential to corrupt our lives and damage our character: 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
In the same way, just as bad company can ruin our lives, good company will inspire and challenge us to become better and can even help us grow in wisdom: Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Furthermore, we need to seek knowledge, understanding, and wisdom for ourselves. As we do, we will begin to grow in these aspects and grow in our walk with Christ. We grow in these aspects by spending time with God, Studying His Word, and praying and asking Him for them.
We can model the prayer that Paul the apostle prayed for the Ephesus church: Ephesians 1:17 – that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. In this day and age, knowledge is more readily available than ever before with the rise of the internet. Therefore, we should be very purposeful about our growth as believers and make a concerted effort to grow in our walk with God. However, when Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he issued a warning to us all:
1 Timothy 2:20 – O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. He told Timothy to “avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions” some people call knowledge. This is a command to stick with The Word of God, stay close to him, and avoid people who just want to talk and ‘theorize’ everything. If we get caught up in this, The Bible tells us we can even swerve away from the faith!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for giving us Your word, which helps build and strengthen us in Christ. I pray right now and ask for wisdom and understanding.
Please surround me with wise people who can help me grow and develop in my walk with You. Remove those people from my life who are doing more harm than good. I ask for a greater hunger for Your word and pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
