Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
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. Pro 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.”
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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. The Septuagint and some other versions get over the difficulty, by reading Wisdom is not made known.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
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, Psa 64:6, 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.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
33. restethpreserved inquietness for use, while fools blazon their folly (Pro 12:23;Pro 13:16).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 and undisturbed; no noise is made about it, or any ostentation of it; it dwells quietly and constantly there;
but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known; the least share of knowledge which such persons have, or think they have, does not lie long in the midst of them; they take every opportunity of showing it to others, or of letting others know what they have attained to; and thereby, instead of getting the character of wise and prudent men, obtain that of fools; for, though a prudent man is communicative of his knowledge to others, it is at proper times, and in proper places, and to proper persons, which fools do not observe; but, without any manner of judgment or discretion, or regard to persons, places, and seasons, vainly thrust out their knowledge, and so proclaim their folly. The Syriac version is,
“in the heart of fools it shall not be known;”
it has no place there.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the man of understanding;
But the heart of fools it maketh itself known.
Most interpreters know not what to make of the second line here. The lxx (and after it the Syr.), and as it appears, also Aquila and Theodotion, insert ; the Targ. improves the Peshito, for it inserts (so that Pro 12:23; Pro 13:16, and Pro 15:2 are related). And Abulwald explains: in the heart of fools it is lost; Euchel: it reels about; but these are imaginary interpretations resting on a misunderstanding of the passages, in which means to come to feel, and to give to feel (to punish, correct). Kimchi rightly adheres to the one ascertained meaning of the words, according to which the Venet. . So also the translation of Jerome: et indoctos quosque ( quoque ) erudiet , is formed, for he understands the “and is manifest among fools” (Luther) not merely, as C. B. Michaelis, after the saying: opposita juxta se posita magis elucescunt , but of a becoming manifest, which is salutary to these. Certainly can mean among = in the circle, of Pro 15:31; but if, as here and e.g., Jer 31:31, is interchanged with , and if is the subject spoken of, as 1Ki 3:28, then does not mean among (in the midst of), but in the heart of the fool. According to this, the Talmud rightly, by comparison with the current proverb ( Meza 85b): , a stater in a flaggon cries Kish, Kish, i.e., makes much clatter. In the heart of the understanding wisdom rests, i.e., remains silent and still, for the understanding feels himself personally happy in its possession, endeavours always the more to deepen it, and lets it operate within; on the contrary, wisdom in the heart of fools makes itself manifest: they are not able to keep to themselves the wisdom which they imagine they possess, or the portion of wisdom which is in reality theirs; but they think, as it is said in Persius: Scire tuum nihil est nisi scire hoc te sciat alter . They discredit and waste their little portion of wisdom (instead of thinking on its increase) by obtrusive ostentatious babbling.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Observe, 1. Modesty is the badge of wisdom. He that is truly wise hides his treasure, so as not to boast of it (Matt. xiii. 44), though he does not hide his talent, so as not to trade with it. His wisdom rests in his heart; he digests what he knows, and has it ready to him, but does not unseasonably talk of it and make a noise with it. The heart is the seat of the affections, and there wisdom must rest in the practical love of it, and not swim in the head. 2. Openness and ostentation are a mark of folly. If fools have a little smattering of knowledge, they take all occasions, though very foreign, to produce it, and bring it in by head and shoulders. Or the folly that is in the midst of fools is made known by their forwardness to talk. Many a foolish man takes more pains to show his folly than a wise man thinks it worth his while to take to show his wisdom.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Discretion Or Folly
Verse 33 reveals that a wise person does not flaunt or make a show of his wisdom; but a fool will use every opportunity to display his ignorance, Pro 12:23; Pro 12:16; Pro 29:11.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
MAIN HOMILETICS OF Pro. 14:33
THE HIDDEN MADE MANIFEST
I. The God-ordained place for moral wisdomthe heart. The divinely ordained place for the sap of the vine is its root.
1. It has its centre and spring there, that thence it may diffuse itself into every branch and leaf, and give life and health to the whole tree. So the divinely-ordained place for moral wisdom is the heartthe affections of a man. If it has its seat there it will certainly influence all his thoughts, and words, and deeds.
2. It is not only the most influential part of a man, but it is the most secure. There, if anywhere, it is out of the reach of harm. If it is only in the headin the intellectual part of a mantemptation may rob him of itfalse reasoning or adversity may shake it from its seat, but if it has hold of the heart, it will hold its own against every foe.
3. It is the only place from which it can reach and bless other human hearts. The sap of the tree must issue direct from its root if there is to be fruit that will sustain and give satisfaction to the eater. So a life will bring forth no fruit to feed others unless its religion is a religion of the heart. There is no way to the heart except from the heart, those who have only an intellectual hold upon moral wisdom cannot feed hungry souls.
4. It is the only place whence can issue glory to God. The whole man, spirit and soul and body, must be under the guidance of moral wisdom if he is to render acceptable service to God. Nothing less will satisfy Him who searches the heart of the children of men (Jer. 17:10). If the heart is right, the external service will not be wanting. (See Homiletics and Comments on chap. Pro. 4:23).
II. Where this wisdom of the heart is lacking, the life will betray it. In all natural life there is a law by which its hidden secrets are manifested in outward signs. The health of the root is seen in the health of the tree, the disease of the internal bodily organs manifests itself in the outward appearance. So it is with moral health and disease. However men may try to appear what they are not, the natural tendency of human nature often proves too strong for the artificial restraint that is put upon it, and sooner or later men reveal what they really are. That which is in the midst of moral fools is made known, although time is needed for the folly fully to develop itself.
OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS
Resteth implies the tranquil and modest spirit of the wise, and the permanence of their keeping of wisdom; and especially that it is the fruit of the spirit from above descending and abiding on them (Num. 11:25-26; Isa. 11:2; 2Ki. 2:15). Contrast Ecc. 7:9. The wise does not draw forth his wisdom from its resting place within his heart at random, but in proper place and time, as the occasion may require. But fools cannot long disguise their folly (see chap. Pro. 10:14; Pro. 12:23; Pro. 13:16). The Hebrew adage says, A vessel full of coins will make no noise; but if there be only one coin in it, it will make a rattle. The more learned one is, the more modest he will be; the more unlearned, the more presumptuous and ostentatious.Fausset.
In the heart of the understanding wisdom remains silent and still, for the understanding feels himself personally happy in its possession, endeavours all the more to deepen it, and lets it operate within.Deliztsch.
There she keepeth residence and there she ruleth, and thither she bringeth her treasures and her comforts, and every good thing that is to be wished for. And therefore she calleth for it, as most meet for her to possess; and safest for every wise man to yield unto her. My son, give me thine heart.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(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.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
33. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding Reposeth there, not obtruding itself, or being solicitous of notice.
That which is in the midst of fools (in the heart of such) is made known Is soon exhibited, both by tongue and act. Comp. Pro 10:14; Pro 12:16; Pro 12:23; Pro 13:16; Pro 15:2; Pro 29:11.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Eye Of YHWH Is On All, Whether Individual, Nation Or King’s Servant And All Will Be Revealed As What They Are ( Pro 14:33 to Pro 15:3 ).
The effect of wisdom, or false wisdom, is now considered in respect of individuals (verse Pro 14:33), nations (Pro 14:34) and royal servants (politicians and civil servants) (Pro 14:35), all of whom are seen to be under the watchful eye of YHWH (Pro 15:3). And that wisdom is seen as especially revealed, or otherwise, by the activity of the tongue (Pro 15:1-2).
This is presented chiastically as follows:
A Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the inward part of fools is made known. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproof of peoples. The king’s favour is towards a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath will be against him who causes shame (Pro 14:33-35).
B A tender answer turns away wrath, but a grievous word stirs up anger (Pro 15:1).
B The tongue of the wise utters knowledge aright, but the mouth of fools pours out folly (Pro 15:2).
A The eyes of YHWH are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Pro 15:3).
Note that in A wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, in contrast to the fool, in the nation that reveals itself as righteous, in contrast to the unrighteous nation, and in royal servants who deal wisely, in contrast to those who cause shame, and in the parallel all are overseen by the watchful eye of YHWH who keeps watch on the evil and the good. Centrally in B what the caring man says has good effects, whilst a grievous word has bad effects, and in the parallel the tongue of the wise has good effects, while the mouth of the fool pours out folly.
Pro 14:33
‘Wisdom rests (settles, is stored up) in the heart of him who has understanding,
But what is in the inward part of fools is made known.’
This proverb, along with those in Pro 14:34-35 form a combined picture of the activity of wisdom as revealed in individuals, nations, and the highest officials (royal servants/civil servants/politicians). All will then be seen as under the watchful eye of YHWH (Pro 15:3).
The word rendered ‘rests’ indicates a kind of permanence. Wisdom settles permanently in the heart of the one who has understanding. It is stored up there. Once a man has truly responded to wisdom the effects are permanent. He walks on in true wisdom, ever growing more wise, with wisdom affecting his mind, will and emotions (his ‘inner heart’). Wisdom is at home in his heart.
In contrast is the so-called wisdom of the fool. That is in his inward parts and soon makes itself known. He is soon revealed as what he is, for it manifests itself in the way he lives. It is a spurious wisdom which is not true wisdom at all. It shouts out the truth about him.
We can compare here Jesus’ parable about the sower. When he sowed his seed some fell on good ground (the wise), and it took root and flourished, and it produced thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold. But other seed fell on other types of ground (the fools) and the quality of the ground was soon made known. The seed might appear to grow for a time but it soon died (Mar 4:4-8).
Pro 14:34
‘Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.’
And what is true of the individual is also true of the nation. When a nation has wisdom resting in it, it behaves righteously. Justice prevails, honesty abounds, taxation is fair and reasonable, the people are as one. It becomes a just and fair society. And as a consequence it is exalted. It is lifted up in the eyes of those round about. It is admired and respected. People see it as an example. It produces a good and wholesome society.
But when sin takes over, and a society becomes unjust and unfair, and full of dissension, and taxation becomes a heavy burden, these things become a reproach and reproof to that society. It is no longer exalted in men’s eyes, but looked down on and despised. What is in its inward parts is made known. It is seen for what it is.
Pro 14:35
‘The king’s favour is toward a servant who deals wisely,
But his wrath will be against him who causes shame.’
The ‘servants’ in mind here are the high officials in a land or an empire. They were called ‘the servants of the king’, and many a jar handle has been discovered inscribed as ‘(person’s name), servant of the king’. It is their jurisdiction, together with the response of the wise within that nation, which will determine the righteousness or otherwise of a nation. And the righteous king (or president, or prime minister) who rules by wisdom (Pro 8:15-16), and oversees the behaviour of his royal officials (politicians), will show favour to the royal official who deals wisely, and reveal his wrath against the royal official who causes shame.
In the parallel verse (Pro 15:3) we are reminded that YHWH also oversees individuals, nations, and His servants, ‘keeping watch on the evil and the good’. These proverbs bring to mind the parable of Jesus concerning the response of individuals and royal officials to the king (Luk 19:12-27).
Thus in all spheres, whether in the case of individuals (Pro 14:33), nations (Pro 14:34, or high royal officials/civil servants (Pro 14:35), response to wisdom will reveal itself and receive its consequences whether for good or ill.
Pro 15:1
‘A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a grievous word stirs up anger.’
Central to the wisdom, or otherwise, of individuals, nations and high royal officials is the use of the tongue. They can demonstrate their wisdom, or otherwise, by soft answers or grievous words. The soft answer will turn away wrath. It will cause the one to whom it is spoken, who is incensed and set on retaliation, to stop and consider matters again. It is an answer which, rather than giving like for like, seeks to appease and call for calm thought on the matter in question. It accepts that the other might have a point, and calls for a reasoned approach. It is gentle, not inflammatory.
But in contrast is the retaliatory ‘grievous word’, the harsh reply. Pride demands that we respond in a retaliatory and inflammatory fashion. And thus our words stoke up the fires of anger, feeding them and making the anger grow until it has disastrous effects. This is well illustrated in the behaviour of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who, when the people brought their grievances, retaliated in like fashion, and thus lost a large part of his kingdom (1Ki 12:3-20). It is also illustrated in the story of David, Nabal and Abigail (1Sa 25:2-35) where Nabal’s ‘grievous answer’ to David nearly brought about the deaths of all his household, whilst the ‘soft answer’ of Abigail preserved them.
Pro 15:2
‘The tongue of the wise utters knowledge aright,
But the mouth of fools pours out (gushes forth) folly.’
What is said in Pro 14:1 is now put in another way. The tongue of the wise speaks the truth, but it speaks it wisely. It ‘utters knowledge aright’. Or to translate more literally, ‘it adorns knowledge’. It makes it attractive and acceptable. The wise want what they say to be heeded and appreciated. Thus they present it in a way that will be convincing to the hearer. But in contrast the mouth of fools ‘pours out folly’. Folly ‘gushes forth’ from it. It speaks without thinking, and its words, however wise they might appear to be, are contrary to God’s wisdom.
Pro 15:3
‘The eyes of YHWH are in every place,
Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.’
Solomon now reminds us that the wisdom and knowledge that he is speaking of is God’s wisdom and knowledge. It is not only the king who keeps watch over his royal servants and subjects, it is also YHWH. As Creator of the Universe (Pro 3:19-20; Pro 8:22-31) He has rooted true wisdom and knowledge in the world and calls on men to respond to it. ‘Out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding, He lays up sound wisdom for the upright’ (Pro 2:6-7). And as Judge of all men His eyes are in every place observing men response to His wisdom. He keeps watch on all, both the evil and the good. All will be called to account. And the implication is that His favour too will be shown to those who deal wisely, whilst His wrath will be against him who causes shame (see Pro 14:35).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
v. 33. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Pro 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 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.
a Epist. ad Julian. consolator.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
But, &c. The verb being feminine, may refer to “wisdom”. If so we may render “and [even] in the midst of fools will make itself known”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Pro 14:33
Pro 14:33
“Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding; But that which is in the inward part of fools is made known.”
We are not sure what this proverb means. The RSV renders it: “Wisdom abides in the mind of a man of understanding, but it is not known in the heart of fools. Toy’s paraphrase is: “A man of sense, not being anxious to gain applause, keeps it to himself (reserving it for an appropriate occasion); but the fool, anxious to shine, or ignorant of propriety, airs what he thinks is his wisdom at every opportunity.
Pro 14:33. A triple contrast: Wisdom vs. that which is in the inward part of fools; him that hath understanding vs. fools; and resteth vs. is made known. From the contrast we understand the word rest as meaning it quietly resides. Therefore, a wise, informed, and knowledgeable person is not always telling all he may know (he couldnt, and he has no disposition to flaunt his knowledge;. But with fools it is different: they are always talking, and they will tell you everything (Pro 29:11; Pro 12:16). For the last clause a few Hebrew copies give, In the midst of fools it maketh itself known.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Pro 12:16, Pro 12:23, Pro 13:16, Pro 15:2, Pro 15:28, Pro 29:11, Ecc 10:3
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 14:33. Wisdom resteth in the heart, &c. Is laid up and hid there, and not vainly or rashly uttered by him, but only brought forth upon necessary or fit occasions; but that which is in the midst That is, in the heart; of fools, is made known That folly which is there instead of wisdom, or that small degree of wisdom which they have, they will publish in all times and companies, without any consideration or discretion.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] {m} in the midst of fools is made known.
(m) Forasmuch as they are convicted by it, and silenced.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
A paraphrase of this verse could be, "A wise man does not parade his knowledge; a fool does." [Note: Kidner, pp. 111-12.] Fools may have knowledge but not biblical wisdom.
The influence of human speech occupies much of chapter 15.