Proverbs 17:24
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
פְּנֵ֣י
is before him that hath understanding
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
is before him that hath understanding
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מֵבִ֣ין
H995
מֵבִ֣ין
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
3 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְעֵינֵ֥י
but the eyes
H5869
וְעֵינֵ֥י
but the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:14The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.Ecclesiastes 8:1Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.Proverbs 14:6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.Ecclesiastes 6:9Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Historical Context
Ancient life offered fewer distractions than modern existence, yet fools still chased distant dreams rather than present duties. They planned elaborate schemes instead of fearing God and keeping commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). They sought wisdom in foreign philosophies rather than Torah. The wise kept God's commands before their eyes constantly (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Proverbs 3:1-4). Focus versus distraction determined wise versus foolish living.
Questions for Reflection
- Are your eyes fixed on Jesus and biblical wisdom, or distracted by worldly pursuits at 'the ends of the earth'?
- What distractions prevent you from keeping wisdom 'before you' as constant guide?
- How can you cultivate focused attention on Christ and His Word rather than chasing distant fantasies?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. The discerning keep wisdom neged (נֶגֶד, before, in front of)—constantly in view, readily accessible, guiding all actions. Ve'eyney khesil biqtseh-erets (וְעֵינֵי כְסִיל בִּקְצֵה־אָרֶץ, but the eyes of a fool at the ends of the earth). Fools are distracted, chasing distant fantasies rather than present wisdom. They lack focus, always looking elsewhere for answers readily available. Believers should fix eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), not chasing worldly distractions. Wisdom in Christ is immediately accessible (Colossians 2:3), not distant.