Proverbs 17:24 (BSB)

Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

From Proverbs 17. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:24

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 17:24: Note, 1. He is to be reckoned an intelligent man that not only has wisdom, but has it ready when he has occasion for it. He lays his wisdom before him, as his card and compass which he steers by, has his eye always upon it, as he that writes has on his copy; and then he has it before him; it is not to seek, but still at hand.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 17:24: Wisdom is before him that hath understanding,.... Is near him, to direct and assist him; it is before him as a rule to walk by, and it is the mark he aims at. A man of spiritual understanding has the book of wisdom before him, the Scriptures of truth, which are able to make a man wise to salvation; and he steers his course according...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 17:24: Wisdom . . . him--ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 17:24: Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth. (m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom.