Proverbs 18:2 KJV
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Our kingly author reveals to us here is another property of the ‘fool’; of the person who, according to the definition of the Master, knowing the Word of Instruction does not obey it.
A more contemporary literal translation of this proverb may say: ‘The heart of the fool is not inclined to understanding; only that the understanding which he thinks he possesses may be revealed. Ralbag, the 14th century Rabbi, talmudist, mathematician and astronomer comments on this verse saying, ‘Only when he is shown up publicly does he wish he were a wise man, but then he reverts to his former way of life.’
‘Empty pots make the most noise’ the old adage says. It is true that while also making noise, full pots resound less; they are more discreet. The person who is wise has the intelligence which consists in the knowledge of one’s own deficiency, and of that which necessary to meet it. This acknowledgment keeps him humble and free from arrogance. The ‘noisy’ arrogance of the fool causes him to also always be full of advice for other people; it makes him feel important and needed. It gives him the appearance of intelligence, but without the wisdom thereof.
Let us learn from watching the ‘fool’. Let us learn to assess ourselves and leave others to God. Let us learn to first realize how little we know, how little we understand. It keeps us more discreet, humble, and easier to live with.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Our kingly author reveals to us here is another property of the ‘fool’; of the person who, according to the definition of the Master, knowing the Word of Instruction does not obey it.
A more contemporary literal translation of this proverb may say: ‘The heart of the fool is not inclined to understanding; only that the understanding which he thinks he possesses may be revealed. Ralbag, the 14th century Rabbi, talmudist, mathematician and astronomer comments on this verse saying, ‘Only when he is shown up publicly does he wish he were a wise man, but then he reverts to his former way of life.’
‘Empty pots make the most noise’ the old adage says. It is true that while also making noise, full pots resound less; they are more discreet. The person who is wise has the intelligence which consists in the knowledge of one’s own deficiency, and of that which necessary to meet it. This acknowledgment keeps him humble and free from arrogance. The ‘noisy’ arrogance of the fool causes him to also always be full of advice for other people; it makes him feel important and needed. It gives him the appearance of intelligence, but without the wisdom thereof.
Let us learn from watching the ‘fool’. Let us learn to assess ourselves and leave others to God. Let us learn to first realize how little we know, how little we understand. It keeps us more discreet, humble, and easier to live with.
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