“A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.” — Proverbs 14:6
“Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.” — Proverbs 17:24
The difference is not opportunity — but attitude and attention. The scorner looks for wisdom with a proud, resisting heart — and never finds it. The understanding man has wisdom “before him,” because his heart is right and his eyes are focused. Wisdom is not hidden from the humble — it is revealed to the yielded.
Illustration #1 — Naaman (2 Kings 5)
Naaman came seeking healing, but when told to wash in Jordan, he became angry. At first, he was like the scorner — seeking, but rejecting the simple instruction. His pride almost cost him the miracle. But when he humbled himself and obeyed, he found cleansing. Wisdom was “before him,” but pride kept him from it. When he submitted, the answer was simple and near.
Illustration #2 — Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38–42)
Martha was “cumbered about much serving,” distracted and troubled. Mary, however, sat at Jesus’ feet and focused her attention on His words. Jesus said: “Mary hath chosen that good part…” Martha’s eyes were “in the ends of the earth” — busy, scattered. Mary had wisdom “before her” — because her heart was fixed on Christ.
A proud heart will miss truth even when it’s near. A distracted heart will chase everything and gain nothing. But a humble, focused heart will find that wisdom is right in front of him.
Wisdom is not far away — it is missed by the proud and found by the focused.