Bible Strands
Proverbs 18:2
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom writer addresses those prone to isolation and selfish desires, contrasting their behavior with the fool’s refusal to engage with discernment.
The words — The term כְּ֭סִיל (Ke.sil) denotes a fool who lacks moral and intellectual discernment, while בְּ/הִתְגַּלּ֥וֹת (be./hit.ga.Lot) literally means “in revealing itself,” describing the fool’s focus on expressing his own thoughts rather than receiving instruction.
The thread — The rejection of understanding in favor of self-expression recurs in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 12:23.
Why it lands — The text states that a fool actively avoids understanding and only pursues the expression of his own views. It requires the reader to examine whether they seek correction or merely the validation of their own opinions.
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 fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
- Psalms 1:1 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.
- Proverbs 17:16 Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
- Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
- Ecclesiastes 10:3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
- Proverbs 1:22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?
- Matthew 8:34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.
- 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.