Proverbs 15:14
 Proverbs 15:14 
New International Version (©2011)
The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

New Living Translation (©2007)
A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

English Standard Version (©2001)
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

International Standard Version (©2012)
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.

NET Bible (©2006)
The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
The heart of the righteous seeks knowledge, and the mouth of the evil speaks evil things.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

American King James Version
The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

American Standard Version
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

Douay-Rheims Bible
The heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Darby Bible Translation
The heart of an intelligent man seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.

English Revised Version
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

Webster's Bible Translation
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

World English Bible
The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Young's Literal Translation
The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth folly.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

15:14. A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself. 15. Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling.


Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge (Proverbs 18:15). The wise man knows that he knows nothing, and is always seeking to learn more.

Σοφία γάρ ἐστι καὶ μαθεῖν ο} μὴ νοεῖς

"To learn what thou hast never thought is wisdom." The mouth of fools. Another reading, is "the face of fools;" but the former is more suitable to what follows. Feedeth on foolishness. So the Vulgate and Septuagint, "The mouth of the undisciplined knoweth evil." The fool is always gaping and devouring every silly, or slanderous, or wicked word that comes in his way, and in his turn utters and disseminates it.


Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

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.


Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

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


Proverbs 15:14 Parallel Commentaries

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A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
13A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. …

Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.