Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs 18:2 in Multiple Translations
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.
A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool delighteth not in understanding, But — in uncovering his heart.
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may reveal itself.
A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart.
Foolish people do not want to understand anything; they only want to ◄express their own opinions/say what they think► [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:2
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 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
כְּ֭סִיל
בִּ/תְבוּנָ֑ה
כִּ֝֗י
אִֽם
בְּ/הִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת
לִבּֽ/וֹ
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כְּ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
בִּ/תְבוּנָ֑ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
Prep | N-fs
כִּ֝֗י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בְּ/הִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:2
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
כְּ֭סִיל
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.
בִּ/תְבוּנָ֑ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
כִּ֝֗י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בְּ/הִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:2
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
1He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace. 4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:23 | A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. |
| 3 | Psalms 1:1–2 | Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:16 | Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom? |
| 5 | Proverbs 13:16 | Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 10:3 | Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 8:1 | Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 14:12 | It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. |
| 9 | Matthew 8:34 | Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region. |
| 10 | Philippians 1:15 | It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. |
Proverbs 18:2 Summary
[Proverbs 18:2 tells us that a fool is someone who doesn't care about understanding, but only wants to share their own thoughts and opinions. This is different from seeking wisdom and knowledge, as we see in Proverbs 2:1-6. When we delight in understanding, we are open to learning and growing, but when we only air our opinions, we can cause harm and confusion. As we consider this verse, let's remember to be slow to speak and quick to listen, as James 1:19 encourages, and to use our words to build others up, as seen in Ephesians 4:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'delight in understanding' as mentioned in Proverbs 18:2?
To delight in understanding means to take pleasure in gaining knowledge and insight, as seen in Proverbs 2:1-6, where it is written that if we receive and treasure God's words, we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
How can I identify if someone is a fool according to Proverbs 18:2?
A fool, according to Proverbs 18:2, is someone who does not delight in understanding but only in airing their opinions, which is also seen in Proverbs 12:23, where it is written that a prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
What is the difference between 'airing opinions' and 'sharing wisdom'?
Airing opinions, as mentioned in Proverbs 18:2, is when someone speaks without considering the truth or wisdom, whereas sharing wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 10:31-32, is when someone speaks with thoughtful consideration and knowledge, bringing benefit to others.
How can I apply Proverbs 18:2 to my daily conversations?
To apply Proverbs 18:2 to your daily conversations, consider the words of James 1:19, which reminds us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and also remember the words of Ephesians 4:29, which encourages us to speak only what is helpful for building others up.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I tend to 'air my opinions' without considering the wisdom or truth of the matter?
- How can I cultivate a desire to 'delight in understanding' and seek knowledge and insight in my daily life?
- What are some practical ways I can listen more and speak less, as encouraged in James 1:19, in order to become wiser and more understanding?
- In what ways can I use my words to build others up, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, rather than simply airing my opinions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:2
A fool hath no delight in understanding,.... In natural understanding, and in the improvement of his mind in it; he delights not in books, nor in the conversation of men of learning and sense: or in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:2
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. A fool hath no delight in understanding (for its own sake), but that his heart may discover itself. Display of self is his aim.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
In understanding; in getting sound and saving knowledge, either by his own study, or by the instructions of wise and good men. But that his heart may discover itself. Heb. but (his delight is) in the discovery of his own heart, i.e. in uttering that folly and wickedness which is in his heart; being more forward to speak than to hear, which is one badge of a fool.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.Ver. 2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.] Or, In discovering his own heart - i.e., in following his own humour, against all that can be said to the contrary. He is wilful, and so stands as a stake in the midst of a stream; lets all pass by him, but he stands where he was. It is easier to deal with twenty men’ s reasons, than with one man’ s will. He hath made his conclusion, you may as soon remove a rock as him. Quicquid vult valde vult, quicquid vult sanctum est. His will is his rule, and when a man hath said and done his utmost to convince him by force of reason, he shall find him like a mill horse, just there in the evening where he began his morning circuit. Some think that Solomon here taxeth, not so much the wilfulness, as the vain gloriousness and ostentation of fond fools, who seem to delight in wisdom; but it is only for a name, and that they may, by setting their good parts a-sunning, gain the applause and admiration of the world, for men singularly qualified. But why should any affect the vain praises of men, and not rest content with the euge of a good conscience? The blessed Virgin was troubled, when truly praised of an angel.
Moses had more glory by his veil than by his face. Christ, beside the veil of his humanity, says, "See you tell no man," &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
(2) But that his heart may discover itself—i.e., unless his cleverness can be displayed thereby; he does not prize understanding for itself, apart from his own interests.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
Verse 2. But that his heart may discover itself.] It is a fact that most vain and foolish people are never satisfied in company, but in showing their own nonsense and emptiness. But this verse may be understood as confirming the view already given of the preceding, and may be translated thus: "But a fool doth not delight in understanding, though it should even manifest itself:" so I understand כי אם בהתגלות ki im behithgalloth. The separated person seeks understanding in every hidden thing, and feels his toil well repaid when he finds it, even after the most painful and expensive search: the other regards it not, though its secret springs should be laid open to him without toil or expense.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:2
2. but that] The added word in R.V., but only that, brings out the force of the Heb.; q.d. so far from having any delight in understanding, his only delight is in blurting out his own ideas and opinions. There is perhaps, as Speaker’s Comm. suggests, an implied contrast with the “other form of egotism,” condemned in the preceding verse.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:2
Another form of egotism. In “understanding,” i. e., self-knowledge, the “fool” finds no pleasure; but self-assertion, talking about himself and his own opinions, is his highest joy.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
2. May discover itself — αδϊβμεϊ, (behithgalloth,) he will take pleasure in uncovering his heart; his chief pleasure is to hear himself talk, in doing which he discloses his folly.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
In Her Teaching by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance for the Abbess to follow the Apostle's formula of 'Reprove, entreat, rebuke' as mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:2. She should adjust her a |
|
Continue in Sin by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing hidden sins and lust in the hearts and minds of believers. He explains that God considers these hidden sins to |
|
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. |
|
Forsaking God by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having knowledge and understanding of God's Word. He quotes Hosea 4:6, which states that God's people are disturbed for la |
|
(Basics) 23. Another Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for believers to recognize its gravity. He uses the example of Adam and Eve, who were given only one comm |
|
Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fa |
|
(Guidelines) Is the Bible Important by J. Vernon McGee | The sermon transcript describes the goal of the through the Bible ministry, which is to give the entire Bible, the word of God, to men as they are. The speaker shares stories of ho |