The discerning person seeks and treasures godly wisdom, while foolishness starves the soul.
“The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly” (v.14). Here, Solomon contrasts a person who hungers to grow in wisdom with one who carelessly indulges in worthless chatter. The intelligent heart recognizes its dependence on God’s truth, humbly searching for insight that leads to a fuller understanding of His ways and a more righteous life. In contrast, the fool’s speech reveals an appetite for behavior that tears down rather than edifies, mirroring other proverbs that warn how “the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (Proverbs 10:11).
This verse also points toward a universal biblical principle: what we feed our hearts on profoundly shapes our thoughts and actions. Jesus explained that the words emerging from our mouths reflect the state of our hearts (Luke 6:45), reminding us that wisdom is more than acquiring head-knowledge—it is cultivating a humble reverence for God that transforms speech and conduct. By consistently returning to the source of truth—God’s Word—believers can guard against the folly that leads to conflict and spiritual poverty, choosing instead knowledge that strengthens faith and guides everyday life.
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Proverbs 15:14 meaning
“The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly” (v.14). Here, Solomon contrasts a person who hungers to grow in wisdom with one who carelessly indulges in worthless chatter. The intelligent heart recognizes its dependence on God’s truth, humbly searching for insight that leads to a fuller understanding of His ways and a more righteous life. In contrast, the fool’s speech reveals an appetite for behavior that tears down rather than edifies, mirroring other proverbs that warn how “the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (Proverbs 10:11).
This verse also points toward a universal biblical principle: what we feed our hearts on profoundly shapes our thoughts and actions. Jesus explained that the words emerging from our mouths reflect the state of our hearts (Luke 6:45), reminding us that wisdom is more than acquiring head-knowledge—it is cultivating a humble reverence for God that transforms speech and conduct. By consistently returning to the source of truth—God’s Word—believers can guard against the folly that leads to conflict and spiritual poverty, choosing instead knowledge that strengthens faith and guides everyday life.