Proverbs 14:6
New International Version
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

New Living Translation
A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

English Standard Version
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Berean Standard Bible
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

King James Bible
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

New King James Version
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands.

New American Standard Bible
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy for one who has understanding.

NASB 1995
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

NASB 1977
A scoffer seeks wisdom, and finds none, But knowledge is easy to him who has understanding.

Legacy Standard Bible
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

Amplified Bible
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom], But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

Christian Standard Bible
A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.

American Standard Version
A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.

Contemporary English Version
Make fun of wisdom, and you will never find it. But if you have understanding, knowledge comes easily.

English Revised Version
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A mocker searches for wisdom without finding it, but knowledge comes easily to a person who has understanding.

Good News Translation
Conceited people can never become wise, but intelligent people learn easily.

International Standard Version
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but learning comes easily to someone who understands.

Majority Standard Bible
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

NET Bible
The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none, but understanding is easy for a discerning person.

New Heart English Bible
A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.

Webster's Bible Translation
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy to him that understandeth.

World English Bible
A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A scorner has sought wisdom, and it is not, "" And knowledge [is] easy to the intelligent.

Young's Literal Translation
A scorner hath sought wisdom, and it is not, And knowledge to the intelligent is easy.

Smith's Literal Translation
He mocking sought wisdom, and none: and knowledge being easy to him understanding.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: the learning of the wise is easy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A mocker seeks wisdom and does not find it. The doctrine of the prudent is accessible.

New American Bible
The scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for the intelligent.

New Revised Standard Version
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for one who understands.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
An evil man seeks wisdom, and finds it not; but knowledge is easy to a man of understanding.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The evil one seeks wisdom and will not find it, and knowledge is found by the intelligent.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath discernment.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wise Woman
5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. 6A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 7Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.…

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:3-6
if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, / if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. ...

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? / For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. / Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, ...

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

2 Timothy 3:7
who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

John 5:39-40
You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, / yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.


Treasury of Scripture

A scorner seeks wisdom, and finds it not: but knowledge is easy to him that understands.

scorner

Proverbs 18:2
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

knowledge

Proverbs 8:9
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

Proverbs 17:24
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Psalm 119:18,98-100
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law…

Jump to Previous
Authority Discerning Discernment Easily Easy Find Findeth Finds Hater Intelligent Mocker Readily Scoffer Scorner Searching Seeketh Seeks Sought Understandeth Understanding Vain Wisdom
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Authority Discerning Discernment Easily Easy Find Findeth Finds Hater Intelligent Mocker Readily Scoffer Scorner Searching Seeketh Seeks Sought Understandeth Understanding Vain Wisdom
Proverbs 14
1. A wise woman builds her house














A mocker
The Hebrew word for "mocker" is "לֵץ" (lets), which refers to someone who is scornful or derisive. In the context of Proverbs, a mocker is often portrayed as someone who is arrogant and dismissive of wisdom and instruction. Historically, mockers were those who ridiculed the teachings of the wise and the righteous, often leading others astray with their cynicism. In a conservative Christian perspective, mockers are seen as those who reject the truth of God's Word and the moral teachings of the Bible, choosing instead to follow their own flawed understanding.

seeks wisdom
The act of seeking wisdom is a recurring theme in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of actively pursuing understanding and knowledge. The Hebrew word "בִּקֵּשׁ" (biqqesh) implies a diligent and earnest search. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual understanding that aligns with God's will. Historically, wisdom was highly valued in ancient Israelite society, seen as a divine gift that leads to a righteous and fulfilling life. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, seeking wisdom involves prayer, study of the Scriptures, and a humble heart open to God's guidance.

and finds none
This phrase highlights the futility of the mocker's search for wisdom. The Hebrew root "מָצָא" (matsa) means to find or obtain. The mocker's failure to find wisdom is not due to its absence but rather their own attitude and approach. In the biblical narrative, wisdom is readily available to those who seek it with sincerity and humility. However, the mocker's pride and scorn create a barrier to true understanding. In a conservative Christian interpretation, this serves as a warning that a heart hardened by pride and disbelief cannot grasp the truths of God.

but knowledge
The Hebrew word for knowledge is "דַּעַת" (da'ath), which encompasses both factual information and experiential understanding. In the context of Proverbs, knowledge is closely linked to wisdom and is seen as a vital component of a godly life. Historically, knowledge was considered a treasure, something to be sought after and cherished. From a conservative Christian perspective, knowledge is not just about accumulating facts but involves a deep, personal relationship with God and an understanding of His ways.

comes easily
The phrase "comes easily" suggests a natural and effortless acquisition. The Hebrew root "קָלַל" (qalal) implies something that is light or swift. In contrast to the mocker's fruitless search, the righteous find knowledge readily accessible. This ease is attributed to their openness to instruction and their reverence for God. In a conservative Christian view, this reflects the promise that those who earnestly seek God and His wisdom will be rewarded with understanding and insight.

to the discerning
The Hebrew word for discerning is "נָבוֹן" (navon), which refers to someone who is perceptive and wise. Discernment involves the ability to judge well and make sound decisions based on understanding and insight. In the biblical context, the discerning are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. Historically, discernment was a prized quality, essential for leadership and decision-making. From a conservative Christian perspective, discernment is a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity.

(6) A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not.--Because "God resisteth the proud" (1Peter 5:5), and none can give wisdom but He who alone has it (1Corinthians 2:11); but He teaches him that "feareth the Lord" (Psalm 25:11).

Verse 6. - A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; literally, it is not - there is none (Proverbs 13:7). A scorner may affect to be seeking wisdom, but he can never attain to it, because it is given only to him who is meek and fears the Lord (Psalm 25:9). Wisd. 1:4, "Into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is pledged to sin" (comp. Psalm 111:10). True wisdom is not to be won by those who are too conceited to receive instruction, and presume to depend upon their own judgment, and to weigh everything by their own standard. This is especially true of the knowledge of Divine things, which "scorners" never really acquire. Septuagint, "Thou shalt seek wisdom among the wicked, but thou shalt find it not." Knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth; "that hath understanding," i.e. to the man who realizes that the fear of God is a necessary condition to the acquiring of wisdom, and who seeks it as a boon at his hands. This acquisition, as it is difficult, nay, impossible for the scorner, is comparatively easy for the humble believer who seeks it with the right temper and in the right way. "Mysteries are revealed unto the meek" (Ecclus. 3:19, in some manuscripts).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A mocker
לֵ֣ץ (lêṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

seeks
בִּקֶּשׁ־ (biq·qeš-)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

wisdom
חָכְמָ֣ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and [finds] none,
וָאָ֑יִן (wā·’ā·yin)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

but knowledge
וְדַ֖עַת (wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge

comes easily
נָקָֽל׃ (nā·qāl)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

to the discerning.
לְנָב֣וֹן (lə·nā·ḇō·wn)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and doesn't find (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 14:5
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