KJV ORIGINAL
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
A person with understanding keeps wisdom right in front of them; but a fool's eyes are always looking toward distant places.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is contrasting how wise people focus on what's right in front of them while foolish people are always distracted by far-off things.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from Solomon's collection of wisdom sayings, written during Israel's golden age around 950 BC. In ancient times, wisdom literature like this was used to train young people in practical living and moral decision-making. The imagery of 'eyes' looking in different directions was a common way to describe where someone puts their attention and priorities.
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