Proverbs 15:14 · American Standard Version

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
Proverbs 15:14 in the American Standard Version reads: “The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.”. Read it in the full context of Proverbs 15, or compare how other translations render it below.

Proverbs 15:14 in Other Translations

KJV The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
WEB The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
ASV The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
YLT The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.
WBT The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
DBY The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.

Commentary on Proverbs 15:14

Expositions from classic Bible commentators.

Matthew Henry · Proverbs 15:14

Here are two things to be wondered at: - 1. A wise man not satisfied with his wisdom, but still seeking the increase of it; the more he has the more he would have: The heart of him that has understanding, rejoices so in the knowledge it has attained to that it is still coveting more, and in the use of the means of knowledge is still labouring for more, growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ. Si dixisti, Sufficit, periisti - If you say, I have enough, you are undone. 2. A fool well satisfied with his folly and not seeking the cure of it. While a good man hungers after the solid satisfactions of grace, a carnal mind feasts on the gratifications of appetite and fancy. Vain mirth and sensual pleasures are its delight, and with these it can rest contented, flattering itself in these foolish ways.

Read Matthew Henry's full commentary on Proverbs 15 →

John Gill · Proverbs 15:14

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge,.... He that has in his heart an understanding of divine and spiritual things, of the Gospel and of the truths of it, will seek earnestly and diligently in the use of proper means after more knowledge; as he will desire to know more of Christ, his person, offices, and grace, he will follow on to know him, and not be content with the present degree of knowledge he has attained unto; he will hear and read the word, and pray and meditate, in order to come to a more perfect knowledge of the son of God, and of those things which relate to his spiritual peace and eternal welfare;

but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness; on foolish talking and jesting; on foolish and unlearned questions; on foolish and false doctrines; on foolish and hurtful lusts; on wind and ashes, a deceived heart having turned them aside: they take pleasure and satisfaction in those things; feed their fancy with them and feast upon them, which shows what fools they are; and such all unregenerate men be.

Read John Gill's full commentary on Proverbs 15 →

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Proverbs 15:14

(Compare Pro 10:21-22). The wise grow wiser, the fools more foolish (Pro 9:9).

Read Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's full commentary on Proverbs 15 →

Browse all Bible commentaries →

Cross References for Proverbs 15:14

Related passages, ranked by how often readers connect them. Cross-reference data from openbible.info (CC-BY).

Questions about Proverbs 15:14

What does Proverbs 15:14 say?

Proverbs 15:14 in the American Standard Version reads: “The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.” Read it in the full context of Proverbs 15, alongside the classic commentary on this page.

Where is Proverbs 15:14 found in the Bible?

Proverbs 15:14 is in the book of Proverbs, chapter 15, verse 14, in the Old Testament.

What Bible translation is Proverbs 15:14 shown in?

This is the American Standard Version (ASV), a public-domain translation. You can compare how other translations render Proverbs 15:14 in the table on this page.

Share this