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Proverbs 17:24
Verse
Context
Sermons
Erlo Stegen
Hugh Black
George FoxGeorge FoxSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
24 The understanding has his attention toward wisdom; But the eyes of a fool are on the end of the earth. Many interpreters explain, as Euchel: "The understanding finds wisdom everywhere; The eyes of the fool seek it at the end of the world." Ewald refers to Deu 30:11-14 as an unfolding of the same thought. But although it may be said of the fool (vid., on the contrary, Pro 15:14) that he seeks wisdom, only not at the right place, as at Pro 14:6, of the mocker that he seeks wisdom but in vain, yet here the order of the words, as well as the expression, lead us to another thought: before the eyes of the understanding את־פּניע, as Gen 33:18; Sa1 2:11, and frequently in the phrase 'את־פני ה, e.g., Sa1 1:22) wisdom lies as his aim, his object, the end after which he strives; on the contrary, the eyes of the fool, without keeping that one necessary thing in view, wander in alia omnia, and roam about what is far off, without having any fixed object. The fool is everywhere with his thoughts, except where he ought to be. Leaving out of view that which lies nearest, he loses himself in aliena. The understanding has an ever present theme of wisdom, which arrests his attention, and on which he concentrates himself; but the fool flutters about fantastically from one thing to another, and that which is to him precisely of least importance interests him the most.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wisdom . . . him--ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding,.... Is near him, to direct and assist him; it is before him as a rule to walk by, and it is the mark he aims at. A man of spiritual understanding has the book of wisdom before him, the Scriptures of truth, which are able to make a man wise to salvation; and he steers his course according to them; he sets Christ, the Wisdom of God, always before him; and keeps his eye on the mark for the prize, all the while he is running his Christian race: or, "in the face of an understanding man is wisdom" (a); it is to be seen in his countenance, which is grave and composed; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth; where wisdom is not to be found, it is far off from him; his mind is wandering after every object, is unsettled and unfixed to anything; and which may be discerned in his eyes, which are rolling about and turning, first one way and then another; and which shows the levity and inconstancy of his mind. (a) "in facie prudentis (lucet) sapientia", V. L. so Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Piscator, Noldius, p. 140. No. 665. "in vultu intelligentis sapientia", Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. He is to be reckoned an intelligent man that not only has wisdom, but has it ready when he has occasion for it. He lays his wisdom before him, as his card and compass which he steers by, has his eye always upon it, as he that writes has on his copy; and then he has it before him; it is not to seek, but still at hand. 2. He that has a giddy head, a roving rambling fancy, will never be fit for any solid business. He is a fool, and good for nothing, whose eyes are in the ends of the earth, here, and there and every where, any where but where they should be, who cannot fix his thoughts to one subject nor pursue any one purpose with any thing of steadiness. When his mind should be applied to his study and business it is filled with a thousand things foreign and impertinent.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:24 Wisdom is not a natural quality but must be pursued. Sensible people persistently cultivate wisdom, but a fool’s eyes cannot stay focused.
Proverbs 17:24
Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
23A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. 24Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Life Beyond Description
By Erlo Stegen1.3K1:20:57LifePSA 103:12PRO 17:24MIC 7:18ROM 8:31EPH 5:16HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. He urges listeners to examine their lives and ensure that they are living wisely, not foolishly. The preacher emphasizes that this should be a daily commitment, with every aspect of one's life being a perfect picture of a Christian life. He warns that failing to live according to these principles is a disgrace to Jesus Christ and God's Word. The preacher encourages listeners to repent if their lives do not align with this description and to seek God's guidance in redeeming their time and living as more than conquerors.
The Thrill of the Moment
By Hugh Black0PRO 3:5PRO 17:24ECC 9:10MAT 6:34COL 3:23Hugh Black emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding, contrasting it with the foolishness of those who are always seeking something grand in distant places instead of appreciating the opportunities right in front of them. He highlights the tendency to dream about achieving greatness elsewhere, neglecting the present duties and responsibilities. Black challenges the notion that only those with grand aspirations are of superior nature, pointing out that true imagination is found in appreciating the beauty and depth of everyday life. He encourages the audience to find wisdom in understanding and valuing the common experiences and people around them.
Epistle 44
By George Fox0JOB 28:28PSA 111:10PRO 1:20PRO 16:6PRO 17:24ECC 2:14MAT 5:8MAT 11:19JHN 3:19ACT 8:23ROM 2:15ROM 6:61CO 4:201CO 12:13GAL 5:24COL 2:2JAS 1:5JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about the importance of waiting upon the unlimited power and spirit of the Lord to experience unity, crucify the flesh, mortify evil desires, and put off sin. He emphasizes the need to circumcise the heart, join together with God, and receive living mercies from the living God alone. Fox urges the congregation to wait in the light, heed the inner light from God, and bring forth fruits of righteousness. He warns against being led astray by temptations and priests, highlighting the significance of waiting in the fear of the Lord to see wisdom's gate and receive pure wisdom from God's treasury.
Epistle 58
By George Fox0Inner TruthFaithfulness in LovePSA 24:1PRO 17:24ECC 12:3ISA 55:2JER 9:3MIC 3:11MAT 5:37JHN 8:441CO 8:1COL 3:22JAS 1:26JAS 4:41JN 3:13George Fox emphasizes the importance of focusing inwardly rather than being distracted by the world, warning against lightness and superficiality. He encourages believers to be steadfast in truth, to control their speech, and to avoid the puffing up of knowledge that leads away from genuine faith. Fox calls for a reliance on the inner teacher, the Holy Spirit, rather than external influences, and stresses that true holiness cannot be found in worldly practices. He urges Christians to act in love and sincerity, using all things for God's glory, while remaining faithful amidst worldly opposition. Ultimately, he reminds believers to love one another and to dwell in the light, as the world is at enmity with God.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
24 The understanding has his attention toward wisdom; But the eyes of a fool are on the end of the earth. Many interpreters explain, as Euchel: "The understanding finds wisdom everywhere; The eyes of the fool seek it at the end of the world." Ewald refers to Deu 30:11-14 as an unfolding of the same thought. But although it may be said of the fool (vid., on the contrary, Pro 15:14) that he seeks wisdom, only not at the right place, as at Pro 14:6, of the mocker that he seeks wisdom but in vain, yet here the order of the words, as well as the expression, lead us to another thought: before the eyes of the understanding את־פּניע, as Gen 33:18; Sa1 2:11, and frequently in the phrase 'את־פני ה, e.g., Sa1 1:22) wisdom lies as his aim, his object, the end after which he strives; on the contrary, the eyes of the fool, without keeping that one necessary thing in view, wander in alia omnia, and roam about what is far off, without having any fixed object. The fool is everywhere with his thoughts, except where he ought to be. Leaving out of view that which lies nearest, he loses himself in aliena. The understanding has an ever present theme of wisdom, which arrests his attention, and on which he concentrates himself; but the fool flutters about fantastically from one thing to another, and that which is to him precisely of least importance interests him the most.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wisdom . . . him--ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding,.... Is near him, to direct and assist him; it is before him as a rule to walk by, and it is the mark he aims at. A man of spiritual understanding has the book of wisdom before him, the Scriptures of truth, which are able to make a man wise to salvation; and he steers his course according to them; he sets Christ, the Wisdom of God, always before him; and keeps his eye on the mark for the prize, all the while he is running his Christian race: or, "in the face of an understanding man is wisdom" (a); it is to be seen in his countenance, which is grave and composed; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth; where wisdom is not to be found, it is far off from him; his mind is wandering after every object, is unsettled and unfixed to anything; and which may be discerned in his eyes, which are rolling about and turning, first one way and then another; and which shows the levity and inconstancy of his mind. (a) "in facie prudentis (lucet) sapientia", V. L. so Vatablus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Piscator, Noldius, p. 140. No. 665. "in vultu intelligentis sapientia", Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. He is to be reckoned an intelligent man that not only has wisdom, but has it ready when he has occasion for it. He lays his wisdom before him, as his card and compass which he steers by, has his eye always upon it, as he that writes has on his copy; and then he has it before him; it is not to seek, but still at hand. 2. He that has a giddy head, a roving rambling fancy, will never be fit for any solid business. He is a fool, and good for nothing, whose eyes are in the ends of the earth, here, and there and every where, any where but where they should be, who cannot fix his thoughts to one subject nor pursue any one purpose with any thing of steadiness. When his mind should be applied to his study and business it is filled with a thousand things foreign and impertinent.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:24 Wisdom is not a natural quality but must be pursued. Sensible people persistently cultivate wisdom, but a fool’s eyes cannot stay focused.