A mocker seeks wisdom and finds noneIn biblical context, a "mocker" is someone who ridicules or scorns wisdom and truth. This term is often associated with those who are arrogant and dismissive of divine instruction. In Proverbs, mockers are contrasted with the wise, who fear the Lord and seek His guidance. The mocker's search for wisdom is futile because their heart is not open to receiving it. This reflects the broader biblical theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 1:7). The mocker's attitude prevents them from understanding or accepting wisdom, as seen in other scriptures like
Psalm 1:1, which warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked.
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning
The "discerning" are those who possess insight and understanding, often because they are receptive to God's teachings. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, discernment was highly valued and seen as a gift from God, enabling individuals to make wise decisions. This phrase suggests that those who are open to learning and who approach wisdom with humility will find it accessible and rewarding. The ease with which knowledge comes to the discerning is a testament to their willingness to learn and their alignment with God's will. This is echoed inJames 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously to those who seek it with a sincere heart.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MockerIn the context of Proverbs, a mocker is someone who ridicules or scorns wisdom and instruction. This person is often characterized by pride and a refusal to accept correction or guidance.
2.
DiscerningThis refers to individuals who possess the ability to judge well and understand deeply. They are open to learning and are receptive to wisdom.
3.
WisdomIn the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and is seen as a valuable treasure that leads to a righteous and fulfilling life. It is often associated with the fear of the Lord.
4.
KnowledgeThis is the understanding and information that comes from learning and experience. In Proverbs, knowledge is closely linked to wisdom and is seen as a gift from God to those who seek it earnestly.
5.
SolomonTraditionally, King Solomon is credited with writing much of the book of Proverbs. His reign was marked by a quest for wisdom, which he famously requested from God.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Prideful SeekingA mocker, due to pride and scorn, seeks wisdom but finds none. This highlights the futility of seeking wisdom with a closed heart and mind.
The Ease of Receptive LearningFor the discerning, knowledge comes easily. This suggests that a humble and open heart is crucial for gaining true understanding.
The Importance of Attitude in LearningOur attitude towards learning and correction greatly affects our ability to gain wisdom. A teachable spirit is essential.
The Role of Godly Fear in WisdomThe fear of the Lord is foundational to acquiring wisdom and knowledge. Reverence for God opens the door to true understanding.
Practical Steps to DiscernmentEngage in regular prayer and study of Scripture to cultivate discernment. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's truth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:6?
2.How can we avoid being "mockers" in our pursuit of wisdom today?
3.What steps help us become "discerning" to gain "knowledge" as Proverbs 14:6 suggests?
4.How does James 1:5 relate to seeking wisdom in Proverbs 14:6?
5.Why is a sincere heart crucial for understanding Proverbs 14:6's message?
6.How can we apply Proverbs 14:6 in our daily decision-making process?
7.What does Proverbs 14:6 reveal about the nature of wisdom and understanding?
8.How does Proverbs 14:6 challenge the pursuit of knowledge without faith?
9.Why does Proverbs 14:6 suggest that mockers struggle to find wisdom?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14?
11.What guidance does the Bible offer for decision making?
12.Does the call to heed a father's instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance?
13.Proverbs 19:14 credits God alone for providing a prudent spouse--does this diminish human choice or contradict free will elsewhere in Scripture?
14.Why did Jesus advise against casting pearls before swine?What Does Proverbs 14:6 Mean
“A mocker”- “A mocker” describes a person who scoffs at truth, treats holy things lightly, and measures every idea against self-made standards instead of God’s.
- This attitude is seen elsewhere: “The proud and arrogant man—‘Mocker’ is his name” (Proverbs 21:24). Compare alsoPsalm 1:1;Proverbs 9:7-8;2 Peter 3:3-4.
- Mockery springs from pride; pride resists correction, so the heart stays closed (Proverbs 16:18).
“seeks wisdom”- The mocker’s search is half-hearted or self-serving. He wants the benefits of insight without bowing to its Source.
- Herod “was hoping to see some sign” from Jesus, yet remained unchanged (Luke 23:8-9).
-James 1:6-7 warns that a double-minded seeker “should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
- True wisdom is found when we seek God with all the heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
“and finds none”- Wisdom is withheld from the proud: “Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer… because they hated knowledge” (Proverbs 1:28-29).
- Pride darkens understanding (Romans 1:21-22).
-Isaiah 29:13-14 shows God frustrating the wisdom of those who honor Him only with lips.
- The mocker’s failure is not intellectual; it is spiritual. Until the heart turns, the mind remains closed.
“but knowledge comes easily”- When the heart is right, understanding flows: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
- Jesus rejoiced that the Father reveals truth to the humble (Matthew 11:25).
-Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
- “Easily” does not mean effortlessly; it means without the inner resistance pride creates.
“to the discerning”- The discerning person is teachable, God-fearing, willing to test all things by Scripture.
- “Let the wise listen and gain instruction” (Proverbs 1:5).
- Spiritual people “discern all things” because they have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).
-Hebrews 5:14 links discernment to constant practice in God’s Word, andJames 3:17 describes its fruit: “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive.”
summaryProverbs 14:6 contrasts two heart postures. The mocker, driven by pride, hunts for wisdom yet remains empty-handed because God opposes the proud. The discerning, marked by humility and reverence, finds knowledge opening naturally, for God delights to guide the teachable. The verse invites us to renounce scoffing, cultivate a listening spirit, and trust that the Lord will make His wisdom plain to all who seek Him sincerely.
(6)
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not.--Because "God resisteth the proud" (
1Peter 5:5), and none can give wisdom but He who alone has it (
1Corinthians 2:11); but He teaches him that "feareth the Lord" (
Psalm 25:11).
Verse 6. -
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; literally,
it is not -
there is none (
Proverbs 13:7). A scorner may affect to be seeking wisdom, but he can never attain to it, because it is given only to him who is meek and fears the Lord (
Psalm 25:9). Wisd. 1:4, "Into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is pledged to sin" (comp.
Psalm 111:10). True wisdom is not to be won by those who are too conceited to receive instruction, and presume to depend upon their own judgment, and to weigh everything by their own standard. This is especially true of the knowledge of Divine things, which "scorners" never really acquire. Septuagint, "Thou shalt seek wisdom among the wicked, but thou shalt find it not."
Knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth; "that hath understanding,"
i.e. to the man who realizes that the fear of God is a necessary condition to the acquiring of wisdom, and who seeks it as a boon at his hands. This acquisition, as it is difficult, nay, impossible for the scorner, is comparatively easy for the humble believer who seeks it with the right temper and in the right way. "Mysteries are revealed unto the meek" (Ecclus. 3:19, in some manuscripts).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A mockerלֵ֣ץ(lêṣ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887:Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mockerseeksבִּקֶּשׁ־(biq·qeš-)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive afterwisdomחָכְמָ֣ה(ḥāḵ·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdomand [finds] none,וָאָ֑יִן(wā·’ā·yin)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlebut knowledgeוְדַ֖עַת(wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847:Knowledgecomes easilyנָקָֽל׃(nā·qāl)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7043:To be slight, swift or triflingto the discerning.לְנָב֣וֹן(lə·nā·ḇō·wn)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 995:To separate mentally, understand
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and doesn't find (Prov. Pro Pr) 
