What does Proverbs 14:33 mean?

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

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."

Proverbs 14:33 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known." This verse is part of the Book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon, known for his great wisdom and understanding.

The verse begins by speaking about wisdom as something that rests in the heart of those who have understanding. This points to the idea that wisdom is not just a mental faculty, but a deep-seated quality that reflects a person's character and inner being. In the biblical context, the heart is often seen as the seat of emotions, thoughts, and intentions, so when the verse speaks of wisdom resting in the heart, it is emphasizing the integral role that wisdom plays in shaping a person's inner life.

The second part of the verse contrasts the state of wisdom in those who have understanding with the state of foolishness in those who lack understanding. It says that what is in the midst of fools is made known, suggesting that foolishness exposes itself and is readily apparent in the lives of those who lack understanding. This presents an image of folly as something that is outwardly evident, in contrast to wisdom, which is inward and hidden.

The verse speaks to the contrast between wisdom and foolishness, and the difference in how they manifest in the lives of individuals. It highlights the importance of understanding in possessing wisdom, as well as the self-evident nature of foolishness. This reflects a broader theme in the Book of Proverbs, which is the pursuit of wisdom and understanding as a foundational aspect of a righteous and fulfilling life.

In the context of the Book of Proverbs, wisdom is not just seen as intellectual knowledge or cleverness, but as a moral and ethical understanding that is grounded in reverence for God. This understanding of wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord, as Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Therefore, the wisdom described in Proverbs 14:33 is not simply a human quality, but is inseparable from a person's relationship with God.

This verse also touches on the idea of discernment, which is the capacity to distinguish between wisdom and foolishness. It suggests that those who possess understanding have the ability to recognize and hold onto wisdom, while fools lack this discernment and are unable to conceal their foolishness. This aligns with the overall message of Proverbs, which encourages its readers to seek discernment and to choose wisdom over folly.

Symbolically, the heart serves as a metaphor for the innermost being of a person, while wisdom and understanding are seen as qualities that are deeply rooted in the core of a person's character. On the other hand, fools are depicted as lacking the ability to conceal their foolish ways, which serves as a warning against living a life devoid of understanding and discernment.

In conclusion, Proverbs 14:33 emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in shaping the inner life of an individual. It presents wisdom as a quality that rests in the heart of those who possess understanding and roots their lives in reverence for God. The verse also highlights the outward manifestation of foolishness in the lives of those who lack understanding, underscoring the importance of discernment in choosing the path of wisdom over folly. Overall, Proverbs 14:33 conveys a timeless message about the significance of wisdom and the need for discernment in living a righteous and fulfilling life.

Proverbs 14:33 Artwork

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."

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."

Proverbs 8:33 - "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not."

Proverbs 8:33 - "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not."

Proverbs 15:33 - "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."

Proverbs 15:33 - "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."

Proverbs 16:33 - "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."

Proverbs 16:33 - "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."

Proverbs 3:33 - "¶ The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just."

Proverbs 3:33 - "¶ The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just."

Proverbs 24:33 - "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:"

Proverbs 24:33 - "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:"

Proverbs 6:33 - "A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away."

Proverbs 6:33 - "A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away."

Leviticus 14:33 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

Leviticus 14:33 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

Proverbs 1:33 - "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

Proverbs 1:33 - "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

Proverbs 23:33 - "Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things."

Proverbs 23:33 - "Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things."

1 Corinthians 14:33 - "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

1 Corinthians 14:33 - "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

Job 33:14 - "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not."

Job 33:14 - "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not."

Numbers 33:14 - "And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink."

Numbers 33:14 - "And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink."

Proverbs 5:14 - "I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly."

Proverbs 5:14 - "I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly."

Psalms 33:14 - "From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth."

Psalms 33:14 - "From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth."

Deuteronomy 33:14 - "And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,"

Deuteronomy 33:14 - "And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,"

Proverbs 14:14 - "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."

Proverbs 14:14 - "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."

Proverbs 14:18 - "The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

Proverbs 14:18 - "The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

Proverbs 14:24 - "The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly."

Proverbs 14:24 - "The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly."

Proverbs 24:33-34 - "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man."

Proverbs 24:33-34 - "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man."

Exodus 33:14 - "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

Exodus 33:14 - "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

Matthew 14:33 - "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Matthew 14:33 - "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Mark 14:33 - "And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;"

Mark 14:33 - "And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;"

Proverbs 14:19 - "The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous."

Proverbs 14:19 - "The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous."

Proverbs 14:13 - "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness."

Proverbs 14:13 - "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness."

Proverbs 14:30 - "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."

Proverbs 14:30 - "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."

Proverbs 16:14 - "The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it."

Proverbs 16:14 - "The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it."

Proverbs 14:34 - "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

Proverbs 14:34 - "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

Proverbs 11:14 - "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Proverbs 11:14 - "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Proverbs 14:9 - "Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour."

Proverbs 14:9 - "Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour."