◄ Proverbs 17:24 ►
Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
Study Bible
Wisdom is the focus of the discerning
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" here is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of that knowledge in daily life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued as a divine gift, often associated with the ability to make sound decisions and live a life pleasing to God. The "discerning" are those who possess "בִּין" (bin), meaning understanding or insight. This phrase suggests that those who are discerning prioritize wisdom, making it the central point of their attention and efforts. In a conservative Christian perspective, this aligns with the call to seek God's wisdom above all else, as it leads to a life of righteousness and fulfillment.

but the eyes of a fool wander
The term "fool" in Hebrew is "כְּסִיל" (kesil), which refers to someone who is morally deficient and lacks judgment. The "eyes" symbolize focus and intention, and the verb "wander" implies a lack of direction or purpose. In biblical times, a fool was not just someone who lacked intelligence, but someone who rejected God's ways and wisdom. This phrase paints a picture of a person who is easily distracted, unable to concentrate on what truly matters. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this serves as a warning against the dangers of being spiritually unfocused and the importance of keeping one's eyes fixed on Christ and His teachings.

to the ends of the earth
This phrase suggests an aimless pursuit of worldly things, symbolizing the vast and often unattainable desires that can lead one astray. In the ancient world, "the ends of the earth" represented the farthest reaches of the known world, often associated with the unknown and the unattainable. For the fool, this represents a futile search for satisfaction in things that cannot truly fulfill. In a conservative Christian context, this highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment outside of God's wisdom and purpose. It serves as a reminder that true contentment and understanding come from focusing on God's eternal truths rather than the fleeting distractions of the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Discerning
This refers to individuals who possess insight and understanding, often characterized by their ability to make wise decisions and focus on what is truly important.

2. The Fool
In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often making poor choices and being easily distracted by trivial matters.

3. The Ends of the Earth
This phrase symbolizes the vast and often unattainable distractions that can lead a person away from wisdom and focus.
Teaching Points
The Value of Focused Wisdom
Wisdom requires intentional focus and discernment. It is not passive but actively pursued by those who seek to live righteously.

The Danger of Distraction
Like the fool whose eyes wander, distractions can lead us away from God's path. We must guard against letting our attention be drawn to things that do not edify or build us up spiritually.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
True wisdom comes from God. We should continually seek His guidance through prayer and study of His Word to remain focused and discerning.

The Role of Discernment in Decision-Making
Discernment helps us to evaluate situations and make choices that align with God's will. It is a crucial aspect of living a life that honors Him.

The Consequences of Foolishness
A lack of focus and wisdom can lead to poor decisions and negative consequences. Understanding this helps us to appreciate the importance of seeking wisdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Proverbs 17:24 define the difference between a discerning person and a fool?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a discerning heart that focuses on wisdom in our daily lives?

3. Reflect on a time when distractions led you away from making wise decisions. How can you apply the lessons from Proverbs 17:24 to avoid similar situations in the future?

4. How do the additional scriptures (Proverbs 4:25-27, James 1:5-8, Ecclesiastes 10:2) enhance your understanding of the importance of focus and wisdom?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your eyes do not "wander to the ends of the earth" but remain fixed on God's wisdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 4:25-27
This passage emphasizes the importance of keeping one's eyes fixed on the path of wisdom and not being swayed by distractions, similar to the focus of the discerning in Proverbs 17:24.

James 1:5-8
James speaks about asking God for wisdom and not being double-minded, which aligns with the idea of having a focused and discerning mind rather than wandering like a fool.

Ecclesiastes 10:2
This verse contrasts the heart of the wise and the heart of the fool, highlighting the importance of direction and focus in one's life.
Sermons
Common FolliesJames Stalker, D. D.Proverbs 17:24
Contrast Between a Wise Man and a FoolHomilistProverbs 17:24
The Nearness of Life's Interest and WorkD. M. Ross, M. A.Proverbs 17:24
Fatherhood and SonshipW. Clarkson Proverbs 17:6, 21, 25
Use and NeglectW. Clarkson Proverbs 17:16, 24
Varied Experiences of Good and Evil in LifeE. Johnson Proverbs 17:21-28
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Ends, Face, Fool, Foolish, Fool's, Intelligent, Keeps, Presence, Sense, Sets, Understanding, View, Wander, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 17:24

     8227   discernment, nature of

Library
April 8. "A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22).
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22). King Solomon left among his wise sayings a prescription for sick and sad hearts, and it is one that we can safely take. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Joy is the great restorer and healer. Gladness of spirit will bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when all other tonics fail, and all other sedatives cease to quiet. Sick one, begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 12. "The Furnace for Gold; but the Lord Trieth the Hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3. )
"The furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3.) Remember that temptation is not sin unless it be accompanied with the consent of your will. There may seem to be even the inclination, and yet the real choice of your spirit is fixed immovably against it, and God regards it simply as a solicitation and credits you with an obedience all the more pleasing to Him, because the temptation was so strong. We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Unrivalled Friend
A sermon (No. 899) delivered on Lord's Day morning, November 7th, 1869, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."--Proverbs 17:17. There is one thing about the usefulness of which all men are agreed, namely, friendship; but most men are soon aware that counterfeits of friendship are common as autumn leaves. Few men enjoy from others the highest and truest form of friendship. The friendships of this world are …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and …
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
"He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."--Isaiah liii. 2. "Religion is a weariness;" such is the judgment commonly passed, often avowed, concerning the greatest of blessings which Almighty God has bestowed upon us. And when God gave the blessing, He at the same time foretold that such would be the judgment of the world upon it, even as manifested in the gracious Person of Him whom He sent to give it to us. "He hath no form nor …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and Death.
THAT early spring-tide in Galilee was surely the truest realisation of the picture in the Song of Solomon, when earth clad herself in garments of beauty, and the air was melodious with songs of new life. [2625] It seemed as if each day marked a widening circle of deepest sympathy and largest power on the part of Jesus; as if each day also brought fresh surprise, new gladness; opened hitherto unthought-of possibilities, and pointed Israel far beyond the horizon of their narrow expectancy. Yesterday …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
[ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This treatise was first published in 1688, after Bunyan's death, at the end of the second edition of the Barren Fig Tree, with a black border round the title. It was continued in the third edition 1692, but was subsequently omitted, although the Barren Fig Tree was printed for the same publisher. It has been printed in every edition of Bunyan's Works. Respect for the judgment of others leads me to allow it a place in the first complete edition, although I have serious …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Nature of Justification
Justification in the active sense (iustificatio, {GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is defined by the Tridentine Council as "a translation from that state wherein man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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