Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:6, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
American Standard Version
A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.
World English Bible version
A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
Proverbs 14:6 Meaning & Commentary
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. – Proverbs 14:6 (ESV)
This verse highlights the truth that a scoffer will find it difficult (if not impossible) to find or attain wisdom – although they may seek it. The truth is that a scoffer will not be able to attain wisdom because the very nature of a scoffer makes them closed off to seeking or receiving wisdom. A scoffer is someone who shows contempt or disdain towards others or anything and anyone they disagree with.
We know that the fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom: Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. The fear of The Lord speaks about humility, brokenness, and someone opposite in many ways to a scoffer. When we think of a scoffer, we think of someone who is arrogant and has a “know it all” attitude. Such a person is certainly not walking in the fear of The Lord and hence is not even positioning themselves on the path to wisdom.
The Bible talks about a carnal, worldly wisdom: James 3:15 – This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. However, God’s wisdom has godly characteristics: James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Clearly, a scoffer is the opposite of the godly characteristics described in this verse.
The second part of Proverbs 14:6 says that knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Someone who has a level of understanding will be able to easily acquire knowledge because they will understand that without God, we cannot know or do anything. God is the one who ultimately brings true, godly knowledge into our lives. When we understand this, we position ourselves to grow in Christ and subsequently increase our knowledge as well!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:6 to our lives?
One of the primary teachings of this verse is that when our foundation is wrong, we will not be able to build on top of it effectively. When we are positioned correctly, wisdom and knowledge come easier to us. Similarly, when our heart, attitude, and disposition are not right, we will not be able to attain true, godly wisdom and knowledge.
Two of the most powerful “foundation blocks” are humility and the fear of The Lord: Proverbs 22:4 – The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Without humility, we will not be people of understanding and hence not positioned to receive knowledge effectively. Understanding is not intellectual knowledge – it is a heart inclined towards God: Romans 1:21-22 – For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools.
The Bible says that we need to humble ourselves: James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. As we do so, we are positioned to receive God’s wisdom, the fear of The Lord and grow in understanding and knowledge. We need to take God’s Word and spend time reading it, studying it, meditating on it, and asking God to open it to us. Since The Bible is God’s Word, we will grow in our understanding of God, understanding, and increase in knowledge.
Whenever we find ourselves becoming arrogant, scoffing at others in any way, or thinking we “know it all,” we can be sure that we have gone off track and wandered away from God! When we recognize this, it is time to repent, get back into God’s Word, and ask Him to help us get back to walking in His ways.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word, which corrects me when I go off track. I repent where I have become arrogant and turned aside from your ways.
I chose today to humble myself and seek Your kingdom of all else. As I humble myself, I pray and ask for godly wisdom today. Help me to understand Your ways so that I can grow deeper in knowledge and undertaking. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
