The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
A person with understanding has a heart that searches for knowledge, but foolish people fill their mouths with foolish things.
This verse contrasts wise people who hunger for knowledge with foolish people who consume and speak nonsense.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from the wisdom literature of ancient Israel, likely written during King Solomon's reign around 950 BC. In that time, wisdom and knowledge were highly valued as essential for good leadership and righteous living. The contrast between the 'heart' (representing inner character and desires) and the 'mouth' (representing outward speech and consumption) reflects Hebrew thinking about how internal wisdom manifests in external behavior.
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