Bible Strands
Proverbs 14:6
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Book of Proverbs records this instruction from Solomon to his son, situated between observations on witness reliability and the futility of learning from the foolish.
The words — The term לֵץ (letz) identifies a mocker, while נָקָֽל (na.Kal) literally renders knowledge as trifling or easily obtained for the discerning.
The thread — This contrast between withheld and granted understanding echoes James 1:5, where wisdom is promised to those who ask, and Matthew 13:11, where kingdom knowledge is divinely apportioned.
Why it lands — The text states that a mocker actively pursues wisdom yet finds nothing, while the discerning person acquires knowledge without struggle, demanding self-examination of one’s posture toward learning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Cross-references
- James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
- Matthew 13:11 He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
- Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
- 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
- Proverbs 8:9 They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 8:2 The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
- Psalms 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
- Psalms 119:98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
- Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
- Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.