Proverbs 17:24 net — Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.

NET Bible

"Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth."

— Proverbs 17:24, NET Bible

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Proverbs 17:24 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 17 — Context

21

Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief, and the father of a fool has no joy.

22

A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23

A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of justice.

24

Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.

25

A foolish child is a grief to his father, and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

26

It is terrible to punish a righteous person, and to flog honorable men is wrong.

27

The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

Proverbs 17:24 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 17:24 say?
Proverbs 17:24 in the NET Bible reads: “Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.”
Where is Proverbs 17:24 in the Bible?
Proverbs 17:24 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 24.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 17:24.
What translation should I read Proverbs 17:24 in?
Proverbs 17:24 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 17:24?
Proverbs 17:24 reads (NET): “Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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