Proverbs 17:24

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about having our eyes on wisdom:

Proverbs 17:24 (NASBStr)

Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding,

But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24 (AMP)

A man of understanding sets skillful and godly Wisdom before his face, but the eyes of a [self- confident] fool are on the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24 (ESV)

The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,

but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Do most people see what is right in front of them or do they simply miss it?   When we read the Gospels we might be amused by how much the religious leaders missed in regard to Jesus' teaching, as well as the disciples.   Perhaps the above proverb gives us some insight as to why this is so.   Solomon is telling us that wisdom is right in the front of us and those who have understanding (meaning they fear The Lord and have faith in Christ), but those who reject Christ and the fear of The Lord will miss Wisdom.   She is available to all, but the eyes of the flesh miss her.   Instead, the foolish person only sees what is far off and unattainable.  Because they trust in themselves, the fool can only see what he/she can find, or obtain ... on the ends of the earth.  Foolish people don't want to look right in front of them at God's Word.  They see Wisdom as foolish.  They see the Gospel message as too simple (1 Corinthians 1).  When we see God's Word, right in front of us, and we, by faith, believe in it, we can have understanding right in our face.   But, when people reject God's Word they will miss the truth and find themselves looking far into the future and never actually obtain what they see or envision.