Proverbs 14:6 - Meaning and Application

Some people look for wisdom and do not find it because they ask in the wrong spirit and in the wrong way. They are scoffers, and they ask for instruction only to mock what they hear and find fault with it. Many people put questions to Christ, tempting him and looking for a chance to accuse him, but they never became wiser. It is no surprise that those who seek wisdom the way Simon Magus sought the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to feed pride and greed, do not find it, because they seek wrongly. Herod wanted to see a miracle, but he was a scoffer, so it was denied him (Luke 23:8). Scoffers do not prosper in prayer.

But to those who understand rightly, and turn away from evil, knowledge of God and his will is easy, because that is what true understanding is. The parables that harden scoffers and make divine things seem harder actually enlighten those who are willing to learn. They make the same truths clearer, easier to grasp, and more familiar to them (Matthew 13:11, Matthew 13:15, Matthew 13:16). The same message that becomes a smell of death to the proud becomes a smell of life to the humble and sincere.

Anyone who understands enough to turn away from evil, which is what real understanding looks like, will quickly grasp instruction and let it shape him. That person lays aside prejudice, and puts off corrupt desires and attitudes. Then God’s teaching comes in clearly, and leaves its mark.