WISDOM RESTS IN THE HEART

“WISDOM rests in the HEART of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known” – Proverbs 14:33

Similar to Strength, Faith, Hope, and Love, WISDOM RESTS in the HEART: “WISDOM rests in the HEART of him who has understanding, but what is in the HEART of fools is made known” (Pro.14:33). Wisdom is principally a matter of the heart. Proverbs 14 contrasts the Ways of Life and Death and of Wisdom and Foolishness: Wisdom builds; but folly destroys (Pro.14:1). Specifically, today’s meditation text contrasts the fate of the foolish and wicked with that of the righteous and upright. It infers that those who do evil, by rejecting God's Wisdom are foolish and insecure; while those who do God's will are wise and have unfailing security. This is even true on the collective or national level: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (v.34).

The thrust of the Book of Proverbs is that a person who seeks “learning” eventually accumulates “knowledge,” which allows them to apply “wisdom” (Pro.1:1-7). Proverbs 1:5 says, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Refined wisdom which can be passed on to others is called “understanding.” Here in Proverbs 14:33, we see this truth reinforced: a person of understanding has wisdom securely stationed in their HEART. This implies three things. First, that the Heart is the Seat of Wisdom. Second, is that this Wisdom is stable, present, and sure. Third, is that Wisdom is not in a hurry to draw attention to itself: It is “resting” inside the understanding person, not “fretting” or anxious to be displayed or expressed.

Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding; he does not care to brag about it or flaunt it; but the fool cannot keep to himself anything which he thinks he knows. The person with godly understanding does not boast about his or her wisdom, but it manifests itself in the reality of situations and relationships. It becomes clear, especially in contrast to the foolish habit of fools – bragging about their knowledge, even when they are empty. The biblical term "fool" does not mean the unintelligent or uneducated. It means someone who ignores godly wisdom and truth in favour of their own biases or preferences, as depicted in these scriptures:

• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pro.1:7).
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Pro.3:5).
• “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Pro.12:15).

Just like wisdom resides in the heart, foolishness also does: “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the HEART of FOOLS proclaims foolishness” (Pro.12:23). However, the wise man is not always blurting out and making a display of his wisdom; he lets it lie still and hidden till there is occasion to use it with effect. In contrast, the fool speaks flippantly to his destruction: “Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction” (Pro.10:14).

A person may claim to be a genius and parade multiple degrees and extensive experience, but if they deny the existence of God in thoughts, word or deed, they are still a “fool”: “The fool says IN HIS HEART, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good" (Psa.14:1). The disposition of every heart is known to the Lord, even when the tongue may be confessing otherwise! Even if multitudes applaud someone who falsely claims to be wise, God pronounces them “fools” all the same, as long as their heart rebels against His Word and His Will. Indeed, the wisdom of this world is folly with God (1Cor.3:19).

When Wisdom finds a place to rest in our hearts, it would ultimately make room for us in life, securing our destinies to bring God Pleasure and Glory: “The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools” (Pro.3:35).