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Proverbs 14:33

Proverbs 14:33 in Multiple Translations

Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding; But that which is in the inward part of fools is made known.

Wisdom has her resting-place in the mind of the wise, but she is not seen among the foolish.

Wisdom is at home in a mind that understands, but it's not found among stupid people.

Wisedome resteth in the heart of him that hath vnderstanding, and is knowen in the mids of fooles.

In the heart of the intelligent wisdom doth rest. And in the midst of fools it is known.

Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

In the heart of the prudent resteth wisdom, and it shall instruct all the ignorant.

Those who have good sense always think what is wise; foolish people do not know anything about being wise.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:33

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Proverbs 14:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּ/לֵ֣ב נָ֭בוֹן תָּנ֣וּחַ חָכְמָ֑ה וּ/בְ/קֶ֥רֶב כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים תִּוָּדֵֽעַ
בְּ/לֵ֣ב lêb H3820 heart Prep | N-ms
נָ֭בוֹן bîyn H995 to understand V-Niphal
תָּנ֣וּחַ nûwach H5117 to rest V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
חָכְמָ֑ה chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs
וּ/בְ/קֶ֥רֶב qereb H7130 entrails Conj | Prep | N-ms
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים kᵉçîyl H3684 fool Adj
תִּוָּדֵֽעַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:33

בְּ/לֵ֣ב lêb H3820 "heart" Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
נָ֭בוֹן bîyn H995 "to understand" V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
תָּנ֣וּחַ nûwach H5117 "to rest" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
חָכְמָ֑ה chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וּ/בְ/קֶ֥רֶב qereb H7130 "entrails" Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
כְּ֝סִילִ֗ים kᵉçîyl H3684 "fool" Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
תִּוָּדֵֽעַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

Study Notes — Proverbs 14:33

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
2 Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
3 Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
4 Ecclesiastes 10:3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
5 Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
6 Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
7 Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Proverbs 14:33 Summary

This verse, Proverbs 14:33, says that wisdom is at home in the heart of someone who is discerning, or able to tell right from wrong. Even people who aren't wise themselves can see wisdom in others, and they may respect or admire it, as seen in Proverbs 1:7. To have wisdom like this, we need to seek God and His truth, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, and apply it to our lives, trusting Him to guide us, as Jesus teaches in John 14:15-17. By doing so, we can make good decisions and live in a way that honors God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for wisdom to 'rest in the heart' of someone?

When wisdom rests in the heart, it means that a person has a deep understanding and application of God's truth, as seen in Proverbs 14:33, and this understanding guides their thoughts, feelings, and actions, much like the Psalmist describes in Psalms 119:11.

How can wisdom be 'known' among fools if they don't have it?

Even those who do not possess wisdom themselves can recognize and acknowledge its presence in others, as stated in Proverbs 14:33, and this can lead them to seek wisdom or at least respect those who have it, as Solomon notes in Proverbs 1:7.

Is being discerning the same as being wise?

While being discerning and being wise are related, they are not exactly the same; discernment is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, or right and wrong, as seen in Hebrews 5:14, and wisdom is the application of that discernment to make good decisions, as Proverbs 14:33 suggests.

How can I cultivate wisdom in my own heart?

Cultivating wisdom involves seeking God and His truth, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, and applying that truth to your life through obedience and trust, as Jesus teaches in John 14:15-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate wisdom in my daily interactions with others, and how can I show discernment in my decisions?
  2. How can I balance being wise and discerning with being kind and compassionate towards those who may not possess the same level of understanding?
  3. In what ways can I seek wisdom and discernment from God, and how can I trust Him to guide me in my decisions?
  4. What are some areas of my life where I need to apply wisdom and discernment, and how can I take steps to do so?
  5. How can I use my wisdom and discernment to serve and bless others, and to bring glory to God?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding,.... It is in his heart, as the treasury where it is laid up, and where it is kept in safety; here it lies hid and undiscerned, unmolested

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:33

Resteth; is laid up and hid there, and not vainly nor rashly uttered by him, but only upon necessary or fit occasions. In the midst, i.e. in the heart, which is expressed by this very word, , and elsewhere. That folly which is there instead of wisdom; or, that small degree of wisdom or knowledge which they have. Is made known; they will publish it in all times and companies, without any consideration or discretion.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:33

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known.Ver. 33. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him, &c.] He sets not his good parts and practices a-sunning, as vain glorious fools used to do, that they may be praised and applauded. As Jerome calls Crates the philosopher, we may call the whole nation of them so, Gloriae animal, popularis aurae vile mancipium, a base hunter after praise of men. The truly wise concealeth himself till he seeth a fit time, and may be compared to the red rose, which though outwardly not so fragrant, is inwardly far more cordial than the damask, being more thrifty of its sweetness, and reserving it in itself. Or to the violet, which grows low, hangs the head downward, and hides itself with its own leaves; whereas the marigold, of nothing so good a smell, opens and shuts with the sun; which, when it is set, it hangs down the head, as forlorn and desperate. So that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Jehonadab must needs see what zeal Jehu hath for the Lord of hosts; his piety is shored up by popularity, &c. Epist. ad Julian. consolator.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:33

(33) But that which is in the midst of fools is made known.—“Wisdom” is the subject of this as of the former half of the verse. “Wisdom rests in the heart of him that hath understanding;” he does not care to drag it out and exhibit it, but the fool cannot keep to himself anything which he thinks he knows.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:33

33. the midst] Rather (answering to the heart in the 1st clause) the inward part, R.V. Adopting this, we may render, either with A.V. and R.V. text, “that which is in the inward part” (i.e. their folly, comp. Proverbs 12:23); or “but in the inward part of fools it (wisdom, any modicum of it which they have or think they have), so far from resting and biding its time, is blurted out.”

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:33

Omit “that which is.” “Wisdom” is the subject of both clauses. She is “made nown,” i. e., by the very force of contrast, in the midst of fools; or she is reserved and reticent in the one, noisy and boastful in the other.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:33

33. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding — Reposeth there, not obtruding itself, or being solicitous of notice.

Sermons on Proverbs 14:33

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu
Israel Wayne Why Are You Angry? by Israel Wayne This sermon by Israel Wayne focuses on the topic of anger, exploring the biblical perspective on anger, its roots, and the importance of self-control. Wayne delves into the dangers
Flavius Josephus From the Death of Alexander the Great to the Death of Judas Maccabeus by Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus preaches about the wise and courageous actions of Joseph, a man who cleverly managed the farming of taxes in Syria, gained the favor of King Ptolemy, and secured h
Jonathan Edwards Diary - After Receiving Masters Degree - 1723 by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards reflects on his resolutions and observations after receiving his Master's degree at Yale, focusing on the importance of duty, self-examination, and the pursuit of
Jonathan Edwards Diary - Dwight's Preface - 1829 by Jonathan Edwards Sereno Dwight, in 1829, introduces Jonathan Edwards' diary, which begins when he was nineteen years old in 1722. The diary, initially written on detached slips of paper, reveals Ed
David Wilkerson The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a
St. John Climacus Step 8 on Freedom From Anger and on Meekness. by St. John Climacus St. John Climacus preaches about the destructive nature of anger and the importance of cultivating meekness and patience to overcome this passion. He emphasizes the need for self-e

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